Meet the Essex Police Inspector inspired by BBC Drama to join the force
Three decades ago, a young woman watched Juliet Bravo, a BBC police drama featuring a female inspector at the helm of a team.
The show struck a chord so much so that she bought the theme tune on vinyl and was inspired her to volunteer as a Special Constable.
That woman was Sue Richardson, now a respected Local Policing Team Inspector with Essex Police.
Marking her 30th year in policing in December 2024, Insp Richardson has built a career filled with challenges, triumphs, and moments that have left a lasting impact.
Her journey began in 1992 as a Special Constable, before formally joining the force - a decision rooted in admiration for strong women in uniform and a drive to serve her community.
Sue with her City & Guilds qualification in Police Management (Image: Essex Police)
She said: "Policing isn't just a job, it's a lifelong commitment."
Now 52, Sue starts each shift with a handover and briefing, preparing her team for the unpredictable demands of frontline policing.
From overseeing sudden deaths to supporting officers' mental health, her role is both operational and emotional.
She said: 'Managing welfare around this for myself, my officers and anyone involved is always a top priority for me'
One moment that still resonates is from her early days as a constable.
She recalls breaking the news of a fatal crash to a grieving mother and her ten-year-old son.
Sue added: "I don't know if I made a significant impact on his life, but he certainly made one on mine.'
Sue has no plans to slow down (Image: Essex Police)
Her leadership goes beyond the front line. A passionate advocate for gender equality, Sue plays a key role in Essex Police's internal Violence Against Women and Girls and Misogyny forum.
She said: 'When I started, those really were 'the bad old days'. Essex Police has worked hard to stamp out misogyny and poor treatment of women, but there's still work to be done.
"A real bugbear of mine is that when I make important decisions, I'm often asked, 'are you sure? I've never seen my male counterparts questioned like that.
"It's about setting high standards from recruitment, dealing robustly with those who act inappropriately, and continuing to educate officers and staff."
Sue still has no plans to slow down. With her sights set on promotion to Chief Inspector, she's determined to continue making a difference.
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