Happy Father's Day

PC Chris Clayton has 28 years’ service with the force, covering Derby West where he has spent the majority of his career.

Now, his 19-year-old daughter Lauren has just started at the same section as a PCSO.

Lauren still lives at home with her Dad and is interested in pursuing a career in the footsteps of her Dad by becoming a PC in the near future.

PCSO Clayton said: “I have always admired my dad’s work ethic and hearing about the kinds of situations he encounters whilst on shift.

“I don’t remember a specific thing he told me that made me think ‘I want that same career,’ but the way he has always described how rewarding it is to provide people with reassurance when they are their most vulnerable made the career sound extremely exciting, fulfilling and rewarding.

“When I came across an opportunity to become part of Derbyshire Constabulary, I knew I would have to make the most of the opportunity, which I am sure has made my dad very pleased to say the least!”

Speaking with pride, Dad PC Chris Clayton said: “It's certainly been a journey bringing Lauren up and only seems like yesterday I was carrying her on my shoulders up the mountains of the Lake District in the hope she would be inspired by the breath-taking panoramic views, only for that to be crushed at her delight in getting phone signal!

“We’ve always had a good, strong and understanding relationship and share a lot of values such as Lauren's Herculean work ethic. I honestly didn't mind driving her round her morning paper round after a night shift from time to time.”

Since Lauren has been in his life, Chris says he too has learnt a lot from her with her own philosophies leading to some lively debate at home!

He said: “I am quite chuffed Lauren has joined Derbyshire Constabulary which was all her own doing, my only influence being her choice of station to start working at. Peartree was just a fabulous culturally rich, diverse and complex area to police. We have now both been moved to Littleover, which is great to still be together.”

After living it himself, Chris is very much looking forward to the experiences Lauren is yet to face within her career.

He added: “I could wax lyrical about catching burglars in the act four times, tipping a suspect out of a wheelie bin thanks to the helicopter, or catching Derby's most wanted burglar who was so incensed we had caught him, that on the way to custody he showed where the second most wanted burglar was and he conveniently stepped out of the house so we caught him too.

“But actually, it's the working with a shift, who without prompting are prepared to turn out and lend some support when needed that makes the job everything that it is.

“Two of us once confronted a man who was sat stabbing holes in a car roof and was heavily armed with several knives. I remember turning around after hand cuffing him and seeing this sea of police cars full of my colleagues that appeared out of nowhere.

“I know Lauren will barge my shadow out of the way and be an asset to any shift.”

Lauren said: “I hope to pursue a career as a police officer one day. Whilst I do not have my heart set on any specific area, I am really looking forward to exploring different areas of the force and the new challenges they will bring!

“As a PCSO, I am most excited to be a visible presence within the community of Littleover and help tackle the issues which will improve the overall quality of life for the residents. It is an amazing feeling knowing you’ve helped someone and contributed to their happiness and wellbeing.”

PC Clayton added: “As a veteran tutor I can say with Lauren and the calibre of my many student officers - without which my arrest rate would be phenomenal - the future of the force is in good hands.

“I can’t wait to see what her career has in store for her.”

Inspector for the Derby West area, Keith Chambers, said: “Chris is a man-mountain and an excellent officer who has served the section tremendously well over many years. Lauren literally has big boots to fill but is doing really well so far serving the community of Littleover.

“It is obvious to see when talking to Chris how immensely proud he is of Lauren and this is reciprocated when Lauren hears stories of her Dad and the incredible respect he has amongst all his police colleagues here at West and indeed across the City.”