I transferred to Dorset Police as a sergeant in 2015 after serving 18 years in the Metropolitan Police Service as a response and neighbourhood policing officer. I now lead a team of officers, who provide specialist support across the county, including public order policing, executing high-risk warrants, conducting searches and supporting major investigations. I also coordinate operational training for officers, ensuring they can respond effectively to critical incidents. I enjoy the teamwork and camaraderie that comes from working in high-pressure environments in an excellent team. I find supporting my colleagues across the Force and protecting our communities is highly rewarding. My ambitions for the future are to continue developing my leadership skills and tactical experience within the team, with a view to mentoring new officers to help build their confidence in operational policing. Longer term, I hope to contribute to shaping future training and strategy within FSG and across the wider organisation.

Police Sergeant Matt Whetham

My career in policing began at Sussex Police in 2004 where I was an authorised firearms officer (AFO) at Gatwick Airport before transferring to Dorset Police in 2010. I moved to Dorset with my wife and young son due to the beautiful coastlines and stunning countryside scenery I knew I could experience during my rest days. I also had friends in the organisation who had also transferred, who painted a positive picture of what it was like to work for the Force. Once I transferred, I worked in the Blandford response team where, having been an AFO in Sussex, I was one of the few officers in the North Dorset region trained to use a taser. I was also seconded to the marine section where I was able to utilise my sailing and powerboating experience policing the 2012 Olympic sailing events in Weymouth and Portland. I remained on response in the Blandford area for around 14 years where I continued my professional development training as a Licensed Search Officer and Disaster Victim Identification officer. In 2023, I trained as a Police Search Advisor (PolSA) and tutored probationary officers aiming to obtain their independent patrol status until June 2024. I am currently seconded to the Firearms and Explosives Licensing Unit as an enquiry officer, ensuring that those with access to firearms are extensively vetted to use them in accordance with the law and to safeguard the safety of the public. I find this role enjoyable, varied and interesting, where I can manage risk and act decisively in the event of a crisis. I get to meet interesting people each day and work as part of a small, but nonetheless focused and professional, team. My ambitions going forward are to remain in this role and complete the promotion process to sergeant. I have continued to tutor and mentor new enquiry officers joining the organisation, passing on the wealth of knowledge and experience I have acquired since 2004 onto the next generation of Dorset Police officers.

Police Constable Richard Cooke