An initiative launched by Nottinghamshire Police, where the public can shadow officers for the day, has proven very popular since applications first opened.
The public observation scheme, launched on March 7, allows members of the public to spend a full day with an officer to understand some of the things they might encounter daily.
More than 103 applications have been received from members of the public interested in the scheme.
Inspector Paul Peatfield, from Nottinghamshire Police, said: “It’s great to see that the public observation scheme has been such a success and so positively received by members of the community and we have had great interest in all the areas on offer.
“We want to give the public an opportunity to get to know us as real people, build stronger bonds with our community, and challenge stereotypes around policing.
“Although applications have temporarily closed due to overwhelming demand, we will be reopening them in the near future.
“I would strongly encourage anyone looking to gain an insight into the police to apply.”
The scheme allows people to observe three key areas of policing – foot patrols, mobile patrols in a police car, and control room operations.
The foot patrol involves a walk and talk with a member of the Neighbourhood Policing Team to discuss areas of concern aimed at women and girls.
The control room aspect lets people experience how handlers manage emergency calls, whilst mobile patrols allow participants to witness arrests, traffic stops and stop and searches.
Anyone who is over the age of 18 and lives in Nottinghamshire can apply to experience the scheme from a local station of their choice and better understand what officers encounter on a daily basis.
Jessica Algate, who took part in the scheme, said: “I wanted to see what a normal shift would be like and to see if response is something I’d like to do after my degree in criminology, as I am looking at joining the police in the future.
On how the scheme went, she said: “The officers were polite and helpful and I was made to feel included and respected at all times.”
Another applicant, Jacey Duly said she applied because: “I wanted to see if going into the police was something that I would like to consider as a career change.
She said: “I received a warm welcome from Lucy Wake who introduced me to all staff.
"I observed two officers throughout their shift and gained insight into the challenges of their working day. They were happy to answer any queries that I had and made me feel very welcome.”
