Leonie-Jane Walker

“My responsibilities include managing the crime side of the Justice Department. I am the point of contact between the police and several external agencies. I also work closely with officers and staff on criminal cases.

“No day is ever the same for me, there is so much variation. I can have a day full of meetings where I barely get time away from my desk to a day of fielding queries and escalations to a day of report writing. I cannot predict how my day is going to go, but that makes it even more fun!

“I initially started in the Justice Department as a Case Builder and gradually worked my way into management.

“The Criminal Justice Department is responsible for the preparation of the prosecution case files. That might be from minor offences like theft, right through to the most serious cases like rape or murder. Our role is to liaise with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and  the courts. This work is vital to achieving a successful prosecution in court of the offender. It’s like covering the final important stages of an investigation.

“It can be a difficult environment because you are dealing with cases that aren’t particularly pleasant. On occasion the aims and objectives of our partner agencies sometimes conflict with our own, which can lead to challenges. However, you get to see the results of some of the cases that we’re dealing with, the outcome and victim satisfaction make it all worthwhile.

“I really enjoy the variety of the role and interacting with different people on all levels. I also enjoy seeing the difference the department makes, whether this be from the support we provide to officers or the results in court.

“The team I work with have managed to propel Northamptonshire Police to the top for CPS file quality in the country. As a department we can support officers, giving them the time to focus on other areas of their work. This has led to us being recognised nationally for best practice ideas.

“Since working for the police I have a greater appreciation for the complexities of in-depth investigations and operations. Being at this level affords me the privilege of being involved in policing at a strategic level. This has really opened my eyes and given me a greater understanding of policing at a wider view.

“Since I was a young child, I always wanted to work for the police in some way. My friends and family thought I was a bit crazy, but now they find it quite exciting!

“It’s also more than just a job. As a Black female working for the police, there are wider implications. I was recently made aware of a young Black female officer in training who felt disengaged because she could not relate to the process she was going through. When she learnt that I was senior police member of staff, she felt she had someone she could identify with. It was nice to know that I may have made a difference to her simply by being who I am.

“Like many other people, I have previously felt a sense of imposter syndrome. However, with the support of my senior management team colleagues I feel this is something that has now diminished.

“In my personal life, I am immensely proud of adopting my son who has many difficulties. But being able to offer someone a better quality of life and guide them through their trials and tribulations is innumerable. I’m also very acutely aware of the potential issues he may face as a young Black boy or man, but I truly believe in being part of the change and improving things for a better future for my son.”

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