New Worthing recruit follows in mum’s footsteps to join Sussex Police after assisting crash victim

One of Sussex Police’s newest recruits has followed in her mother’s footsteps by joining the force.
PC Valerie Coldham and PC Abbie ColdhamPC Valerie Coldham and PC Abbie Coldham
PC Valerie Coldham and PC Abbie Coldham

PC Abbie Coldham was one of 64 new police officers who were officially sworn in at an attestation ceremony on Wednesday, June 17 – the first to be held in person since lockdown was eased.

Among those watching the ceremony was her mother, Valorie Coldham, who herself became a police officer just two-and-a-half years ago, aged 54.

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PC Valorie said: “I am so proud of Abbie and I’m so excited about where she is going to go with her policing career. I knew she could do it.”

PC Valerie Coldham and PC Abbie ColdhamPC Valerie Coldham and PC Abbie Coldham
PC Valerie Coldham and PC Abbie Coldham

Explaining her own route into the force, she said: “I made the leap in becoming a police officer later in life in 2017.

“I had always had policing in mind as a career but wanted to wait until Abbie was older, as I knew it was something I’d really throw myself into.

“After doing a degree in psychology and sociology as a mature student, I wanted a meaningful career so I went for it – and I have never looked back.

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“I found joining at an older age, there is not much that would shock me, as I saw a lot of the world growing up in London.

PC Leann KnowlesPC Leann Knowles
PC Leann Knowles

“After six months I went into investigations. It’s a role that really fits with my nature and skills.

“I’m good at reading a situation and seeing the bigger picture.

“I find my life experience helps me get beneath the surface of what we’re investigating.

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“There’s been times when I’ve been able to identify what is going on with a troubled individual or family.

Leann Knowles previously worked as a PCSOLeann Knowles previously worked as a PCSO
Leann Knowles previously worked as a PCSO

“I can see they are hurting and I tell them so, and I hope that by engaging with them in a different way, I have made a positive difference and helped them shift direction.”

He daughter, PC Abbie Coldham, said: “I feel so happy to have become an officer.

“Seeing how well my mum took to the role did help inspire me, but it was a road accident I assisted in as a passer-by last year which was the final push.

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“I was driving home to Worthing from work in Littlehampton and saw a man lying in the road badly injured.

PC Jo HutchinsPC Jo Hutchins
PC Jo Hutchins

“I called an ambulance and the police – as it appeared to be a hit and run - and I kept him from harm’s way until the paramedics arrived.

“My instinct was to get in there while others stood by.

“I realised this was a strength I really wanted to use and it gave me the confidence to apply.

“I wanted to be in a position to be able to do more to help people in situations like that.

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“I’m hoping to go to Worthing as I have lived there all my life and know the community well.”

‘A massive achievement’

Also sworn in at the ceremony this month was Leann Knowles, one of the 38 recruits who started the degree apprenticeship last week.

Watching on was her daughter, 18, along with her partner, her mum and her husband, her sister, niece and nephew.

The 36-year-old said: “Today means so much to me, I feel overwhelmed! It’s such a massive achievement for me as I have come such a long way.

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“Having left school aged 15 without qualifications, I have worked my way from the bottom to where I am now. This degree apprenticeship means so much to me.

“I hope to inspire young people that, no matter what people say, they can make it. Just go for it – and see where it takes you.”

PC Knowles had previously worked as a PCSO for three years in Worthing.

She said: “It’s been so rewarding making a difference to people’s lives, reuniting missing persons with their loved ones, helping to defuse a situation, comforting or simply just listening.

“You can’t beat a smile that you’ve created!

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“Now, as a police constable, I’m looking forward to being able to do even more to help.

“Having grown up in foster care and had a troubled youth myself, I find I am able to empathise and communicate well with wayward youths and those who are down and out, and maybe help them move in a more positive direction.”

‘A great time to begin a policing career’

Another of the new recruits who was sworn in at the ceremony at the East Sussex National in Uckfield was PC Jo Hutchins from Worthing.

She said: “I feel so proud. It was fantastic to see all my new colleagues going up and collecting their warrant badges.”

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In her previous career in hospitality, Jo managed the Hilton in Arundel and the Jury’s Inn in Brighton.

She said: “I worked in hotel management previously and whenever we had to call the police, I found their handling of situations wholly positive, and it inspired me to become an officer.

“Joining age 40, I hope my maturity and experience will help me provide that same good service to the public.”

She added: “I think it’s a great time to begin a policing career. There have been such positive changes in recent years and I want to be part of that.”

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PC Hutchins is one of the first 26 trainees on the force’s new Degree-Holder Entry Programme (DHEP).

The two-year-programme allows recruits to gain a fully-funded Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice while training on the job.

Chief Constable Jo Shiner said: “I am very proud to welcome these new officers to the force.

“Attestation is such a significant ceremony, marking the start of a policing career, so it was fantastic that we were able to bring the recruit constables together for this event, through adapting to meet social distancing guidelines and by welcoming their families virtually.

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“All 64 new officers will be joining their divisions in nine weeks to continue their training on the job in their new communities.

“I wish them all every luck in their new careers.”

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