Craig Styles

“I’ve been with the Force for over four years, and I still look forward to coming to work every day. I remember my wife first noticed the FCR operator position being promoted on social media and told me about it. I was so used to being in a large organisation like the British Army and this is the next best thing for me as I have a disability, but I do not let it stop me from getting around and getting the job done.

“The reason I do this job is because I want to make a difference in someone’s life and just to hear a thank you to me is enough, or just knowing that I have made a difference in a family’s life.

“One of my primary responsibilities in the FCR is to handle emergency calls from the public. This involves assessing the nature and severity of the situation, gathering essential information, and dispatching appropriate resources such as police officers, paramedics, or firefighters to the scene.

“In addition to handling emergency calls, I also deal with non-emergency inquiries from the public. These may include reports of suspicious activities, noise complaints, or requests for police assistance which do not require an immediate response. The FCR staff must prioritize these calls based on their nature and allocate resources accordingly.

“There is never the same day twice in this role. Every day is completely different. One day you will be taking calls to access the threat, harm and risk involved. This involves assessing the nature and severity of the situation, gathering essential information, then in the mix will be 999 calls. These can range from accidental dials to someone who is at the worst point in their life and need our help.

“My role allows me to continuously learn and grow both personally and professionally. Every day, I am faced with new challenges and opportunities to develop new skills. I am constantly pushing myself out of my comfort zone, which has helped me grow and become a better version of myself. This continuous growth and learning have not only benefited me, but also those around me, as I am able to bring new ideas and perspectives to the table.

“One of the most fulfilling aspects of my job is being able to help and support my colleagues. As a team player, I take great pleasure in collaborating with my colleagues to achieve our common goals. I am always willing to lend a helping hand, share my knowledge and expertise, and provide guidance and support whenever needed. Seeing my colleagues succeed and grow professionally gives me a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

“Some calls we receive into the FCR can be difficult to deal with. I find some calls very tough when they involve young children or where vulnerable elderly adults are being taken advantage of.

“I come up against challenges every day and they are all different, some may be minor challenges or sometimes major challenges. I think my age and my life skills has put me in good stead due to all my personal experiences.

“Working in the FCR really has opened my eyes to the county that I live in. Everyone is dealing with their own issues and problems. There are a lot of people with mental health problems as well as those dealing with domestic abuse both men and women victims. Issues which I wouldn’t previously have known about or thought as being issues in the county.

“What I enjoy best about my role is the impact I have on others. Whether it's my colleagues, clients, or the community, I am grateful for the opportunity to make a positive difference in their lives. It is this sense of purpose and fulfilment which keeps me motivated and passionate about my job. I am grateful for the role I have and look forward to continuing to make a difference in the lives of others.”

Craig’s supervisor Rebecca Sturman said: “Craig is an exceptionally passionate member of staff in the FCR. He cares deeply about the members of the public who require our help and goes above and beyond to help them in the best way that he can. I have seen Craig take on many challenges in his personal life over the last few years and he has always faced these head-on. On every occasion, he has bounced back with an admirable level of resilience and positivity.”

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