Having seen the United Kingdom’s penchant for pomp and pageantry in full glorious flow during Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s solemn State Funeral it is now largely back to more local matters for Warrington residents and this week has also marked an ex-constable’s 50 years of service milestone in policing.
Peter Hampson began his long career as a fresh faced 16 year old back in 1972 when he signed up to join the Lancashire Police police cadets, and having spent two years with them, in 1974 he undertook his ten week training course prior to be appointed a constable and making the move to Cheshire Police to begin covering the Warrington area.
Speaking as he celebrated his 50 years of service milestone, Peter explained that he would certainly ‘do it all over again’ given his experiences and the friendships he struck up within the local community.
“One of my roles within the police was an area constable, and my job was to get to know the people in my beat – my area was Howley and Fairfield. For eight years my role was for me to know the people and for the people to know me.”
Having completed 30 years on the job, Peter rolled the proverbial Novibet casino wheel and chanced his odds at a first retirement and he reflected on his memories of being a local ‘bobby’. Naturally, some days were quieter than others but he had to emphasise just how varied a natural day could be in that role.
“Everyday was a variety, you would go from one extreme to the other. I remember one day that stood out, one of my first jobs in the morning was to go to the local school and help the kids cross the road as the lollypop lady was absent. After that I went to see to a burglary, then I was sent to a sudden death, before being sent to a murder scene, and then my last job of the day was going back to the primary school to help the kids cross the road again.”
Peter clearly missed that variety as having enjoyed a month of his initial retirement, he returned to the police, this time in a new line of work as a member of the support staff, looking after homicide and major crime exhibit files, until he again retired in 2017.
Speaking about his return, he explained.
“Although I had done 30 years’ service, I was only 49 so it was too young to retire, but the change in role needed a different mindset. There is so much pressure in having a responsible position within society, then when you retire all that is gone. I missed the excitement and comradery of policing, but it is a young man’s job, so I took up a place in the office, so I was still doing something to help the force.”
If the day job was not service enough, the 66 year old also began volunteering his time at the Museum of Policing in Warrington more than 15 years ago and it is a role he still fulfils with pride today.
“I have been a volunteer for the museum since 2006, and in all the roles I have done I still feel I am doing a service for the community. Now I get to represent the force in a positive way and promote the services. I am proud of 50 years of service, and I will continue to volunteer and help the community.”
Peter Crowcroft, chief superintendent of Cheshire Police commented.
“Peter has served the communities of Cheshire for half a century. His commitment to policing speaks volumes about Peter. He is a shining example to us all, including anyone who may be considering joining the police. It has been an absolute privilege to work with Peter throughout the years, and I would like to sincerely thank him for his tireless service and dedication.”
It seems Peter’s commitment is not over yet either.
