Sergeant Mandy Turner

The journey to becoming an officer is often filled with diverse experiences and challenges. For one dedicated Sergeant, Mandy Turner, her path into Essex Police began in the motor trade, where she honed a variety of different skills. This background gave her a unique perspective and a strong foundation for her future at Essex Police.

"I have been a police officer for 22 plus years and now I've been a Sergeant for the last 6 years.
"Before joining the police, I had a few job roles, mainly in the motor trade, as a vehicle technician and working for a number of main dealers and private workshops. I have worked on cars from most manufacturers, plant vehicles, and even pit crewed for a motorbike team.
"I wanted to be a police officer from the age of 5, inspired by my uncle, who was a motorbike officer back then. I was not tall enough when I left school, back in the days of there being a height limit. I then pursued a career in the motor trade, before applying again at 28 years of age."

A Day in the Life

Any role at Essex Police is ever-changing and different from day to day. From the fast-paced environment of Local Policing Teams (LPT) to the more controlled setting of a Contact Management Centre, each day brings new challenges and responsibilities.

"The job depends on what role you are doing, from being on the front line, where anything can happen and you attend every incident there can be, to now working in my current role of Contact & Control Centre Sergeant, which is a much slower pace but equally as important.
"Typically, I work in a range of roles from triaging incoming reports, to managing the call taking staff that answer the 999 and 101 calls.”

Beyond the badge

Balancing work with personal passions is crucial. For Mandy, motorbiking remains a significant part of life with Mandy even completing the NC500 route in Scotland.

"Outside of work I enjoy going to the cinema, reading (when I get the chance), seeing my children when they are not working, but my biggest passion is motorbiking.
"Despite having had a nasty crash in April 2024, shattering my femur and being airlifted to hospital, I rode to Scotland and rode the NC500 a few months later and despite the poor weather, had a fantastic time.
"I would recommend it, even if you’re going to do it in a camper van."

Overcoming challenges

Maintaining staff morale and ensuring the public receives timely responses are just a few of the important hurdles Mandy faces daily.

"Keeping the morale of my staff up at present, during a host of changes, along with learning new roles within my current environment.
"Keeping the public served with a speedy response to their calls and reports of crimes online."

The most rewarding aspect of the job is undoubtedly making a difference. From saving lives to supporting staff, the impact of her dedication is profound.

"A role in the police can be pretty overwhelming and as a supervisor I am constantly looking after my staff and their welfare and making the difference to the public.
"Having been there for people in their most difficult of times and saving lives, it is a job like no other.”

Embracing authenticity

Mandy Turner's story is a testament to her incredible courage and resilience. Her journey to authenticity has been deeply personal and fraught with challenges, yet she has faced them head-on with unwavering determination.

"I have been questioning my gender for numerous years and after therapy was diagnosed as gender dysphoric, meaning I was born in the wrong body.
"After some more years of soul searching and speaking with family, I took the huge leap to transition to female.
"As you can imagine this was something that caused me a huge number of mental health issues, being in the wrong body. Since transitioning at work and socially, my life has never been better, and I have never been happier.
"Essex Police have been fantastic in their support. A number of individuals have gone above and beyond my expectations to give me the support I need to be truly happy as my authentic self.”

Mandy's courage shines through. Despite the difficulties, she embarked on a path of self-discovery. This leap required immense bravery, and her truly inspiring journey is a powerful reminder that with courage and support one can overcome even the most daunting challenges.

Looking to the future, Mandy is eager to pursue other areas within the force and move up the ranks. She is committed to expanding her skills and knowledge, taking on new challenges, and demonstrating her leadership abilities. Mandy's dedication and ambition will undoubtedly help her achieve her goals and make a significant impact in her career.

"My next goal is moving back to a front-line position, with the possibility of completing my detective’s accreditation and going down the detective’s route.
"I would also like to get promoted to the next rank of inspector within the next couple of years."

Advice for aspiring officers

For those considering a career in the police, adaptability, a passion for always learning, and strong ethical principles are essential. The unique sense of camaraderie within the force is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job.

"Be prepared for a role that demands round-the-clock commitment. Flexibility is key, and a willingness to learn is crucial, as every day brings new lessons, even after decades of service.
"Approach your duties with honesty, passion, and integrity.”

At Essex Police, we value difference. We know we’re strongest when we work together. And we want a workforce that represents our communities. 

If you share our values and want to help people, keep people safe and catch criminals, then join us as a police officer, member of staff, special constable or volunteer.

Find out if you fit the bill