Police officer's partner given new insight on patrol

Chelsea Walker was one of the first to take part in the scheme

A woman says she has gained a better understanding of her partner's job as a police officer after going on patrol as part of a new initiative.

Chelsea Walker was one of more than 100 people to apply to take part in Nottinghamshire Police's Public Observation Scheme.

The 28-year-old applied to take part because she wanted to find out more about the challenges her partner, Matthew Fisher, faces at work.

"He loves his job, but he comes home very stressed some nights," she said.

Miss Walker wanted to find out more about her partner's job

PC Fisher, also 28, has worked for the force for four-and-a-half years.

"One night, he went to an incident and was assaulted," Miss Walker said.

"He was punched in the face and pushed to the floor.

"Over time, you get used to it, but we have two young children at home - one is 11 months old - and I want him to be safe."

The observation scheme is an expansion of the force's former Ride Along programme and is open to anyone over the age of 18 who lives in Nottinghamshire.

'You stick out'

It allows members of the public to go out on foot patrols, mobile patrols in police vehicles and in to the control room.

Miss Walker said she felt "exposed" when she left the police car to observe various situations, including a call to group of young people loitering on the roof of a car park.

"People are watching you as they go past," she said.

"You stick out. If an officer is on duty alone, they are quite vulnerable."

No major incidents unfolded during Miss Walker's time on patrol but she said she "loved every minute".

Participants can observe traffic stops and other elements of mobile patrols

Miss Walker said the experience gave her an "appreciation" and better understanding her partner's job.

PC Fisher added: "Seeing the challenges I face on a daily basis, including juggling work and family life, gave her a real understanding about what it's really like in the police."

Miss Walker shadowed PC Ryan Prince - one of the first officers to take part in the scheme - on 15 May.

The force said applications for the scheme had temporarily closed due to "overwhelming demand" but they would be reopening in the "near future".

Insp Paul Peatfield said: “I would strongly encourage anyone looking to gain an insight into the police to apply.”