New Police Community Support Officer swaps bus driving for foot patrol
Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Jane Starkey has swapped driving buses for foot patrol on the streets of Sidmouth.
Londoner Jane used to be behind the wheel of buses in the capital and also worked as a Constable with the Metropolitan Police Service for more than four years in the Newham area of East London.
She joined the police after having to call them for assistance a few times while working as a bus driver. She thought it was a worthwhile career and wanted to ‘give it a go’ so she joined the ranks as an officer.
The mum of three enjoyed family holidays in Devon as a child and always wanted to move to the coast. While working at Exeter Prison she saw that Devon & Cornwall Police were recruiting for PCSOs and jumped at the chance.
Jane explained: “Moving away from London was tricky when my children were young but once my youngest turned 16 she suggested we go for it and move to Devon. I bought a cottage as a renovation project and that keeps me busy.
“I am really looking forward to my new PCSO role and am excited to meet everyone in the local community of Sidmouth and surrounding areas.”
Jane has taken over the Sidmouth PCSO role from Sarah Reece who has transferred to become a PCSO in Plymouth. Sarah has moved for family reasons and says she has thoroughly enjoyed her time in Sidmouth. She started the PCSO role in September 2023.
Sarah said: “People have been very friendly and supportive towards me and I have made some good contacts who have kept me busy. I would like to thank everyone who welcomed me to the Sidmouth area and I’m looking forward to new challenges and becoming part of the Neighbourhood Police Team in Plymouth.”
PCSOs work across Devon & Cornwall Police and if you see them out and about please say hello. The Force recruitment initiative for PCSOs opens on 28 April and runs until 30 May 2025. There is another opportunity to sign up between 28 July and 7 September this year. Please visit the careers page of our website to register your interest.
Careers within Devon & Cornwall Police | Devon & Cornwall Police
To find out where you can meet your local officers at drop in events please visit the Force website or you can also follow the Rural East Devon Police Facebook page for updates.
Pics below show PCSO Jane Starkey with police vehicles and also sharing a funny moment with PCSO Sarah Reece (on the right) who is joining the Plymouth team
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