ONE of the most senior female police officers in the county is retiring after a career spanning three decades.
Assistant Chief Constable Sue Harrison will leave Essex police at the end of March after 30 years with the force in which she has risen through the ranks to become one of only two females in a top position.
"I've had a fantastic career, met so many great people and had amazing experiences, I'm really sad about leaving actually," she told the Chronicle.
"I know though that even when I retire I'll still intervene in situations where I can help.
"I already do when I'm off-duty if there's a missing person or a violent incident, I can't help myself," the 49-year-old said.
Her urge to be a policewoman started when Sue was just three. After passing a police officer on foot patrol she had no doubt it was what she wanted to do. But the path to achieving her goal was strewn with unexpected challenges.
"I wasn't exactly the tallest girl and fell a little short of the 5'3" height restriction for joining up so I decided to visit my GP for help.
"I was advised to hang from a bar in the garage daily up until when I was measured to increase my height.
"I managed to get in although I had to lie down during the measurement," said Sue, who lives in Birch, near Colchester.
During her initial training in Basildon it became clear that the gender gap created further obstacles.
"At one point my senior officer said to me, 'I imagine next year you'll be married with children' but I just threw myself into everything and didn't let it worry me.
"Fortunately, I developed a knack for catching criminals and so it wasn't long before my male colleagues were asking me to accompany them," Sue added.
Thriving in the male-dominated environment she quickly received a series of promotions working as a firearms officer, operational Commander for the V Festival and head of the Professional Standards Department before her appointment as Assistant Chief Constable in 2008.
She said: "Balancing all this with having a family has been tricky and it hasn't left much time for friends or hobbies, which is something I'd like to change now I'm retiring," said Sue, who lives with her husband John, an artist, and their two sons, Luke and Matthew.
From next month the policewoman is hoping to spend more time keeping fit, admitting "I'm obsessed with my pedometer," and using her prolific experience to help others.
"If anyone is serious about a career with the police then I'm more than happy to help with some mentoring.
"I would encourage anyone who is keen and energetic."
She concluded: "There's so much variety and challenge in the job."
