REPS SPOTLIGHT
FROM TRAUMA TO ADVOCACY
Durham Constabulary’s PC Vicky Kerley on Policing, Resilience, and Representation
For Police Constable Vicky Kerley, her path into policing wasn’t the result of chance, it was forged from lived experience, resilience, and a determination to make a difference. “I grew up around domestic violence,” she reflects. “I got used to the screaming, the loud bangs, the silence and then the sirens. Police often arrived and said it was a ‘personal matter’. I had to grow up quickly and become very thick skinned and resilient, and I wanted to control my own path in life.” That difficult start shaped both her
character and her career. Channelling her trauma into health and fitness, she built the physical and mental strength that gave her the confidence to pursue policing. “Now when I attend domestic incidents, it does become a ‘personal matter’ to me,” she says. “Through the eyes of a child, I totally understood what they were going through. If I can make a difference to one family, then it was all worth the journey.” Vicky joined Durham
cannabis grows, how it could be done differently, without exposure. These are all ongoing projects.” Vicky’s new role as a Police Federation representative build on years of peer support. “The inspiration came from being a discipline peer support officer,” she says. “I supported colleagues through extremely stressful misconduct investigations, making sure their welfare was considered. That led me to the Federation role, allowing me to explore other matters that are just as important in policing.” Encouraged by her peers, she took
the step forward. “It appeared to be a very challenging role and exceptionally vast in what you can become involved in,” she recalls. Being both a female officer and a
Federation representative brings its own pressures. “My main challenge has been trying to juggle it all, family life, shift work,
“Officers should feel comfortable
Constabulary 22 years ago, starting as a response officer. “It’s the base of your policing journey,” she explains. “The fast pace and quick thinking are key. You’re helping people who have called the police because they need your help.” From there, she moved into crime
team, tackling burglaries, then into financial investigations targeting organised crime groups. Later, as a neighbourhood officer, she found reward in longer-term problem solving. “Trying to improve the quality of someone’s life is extremely rewarding,” she says. Her journey toward Federation work began almost by accident through a focus on uniforms. “I started my journey into becoming a Fed rep around the issues of uniform,” she explains. “I assisted in a trial of new types of trousers, and also looked at how officers attend and dismantle
with who represents them. We need diversity in decision-making and support is key.”
high workload, school runs, always finishing late, and then taking on the Fed role on top of my daily workload,” she admits. Uniform remains another barrier for many women in policing. “A woman wants to feel feminine, but it’s difficult to get the balance right when it’s a uniform,” she says. “The trousers never fit right; I always have to pay to get mine altered. When we feel smart, we feel more confident. That’s why trouser trials are such an important step.” For Vicky, diversity and inclusion aren’t
abstract ideals they’re essential to effective representation. “As a neighbourhood officer, your community was an integral part of your role. Breaking down barriers, being transparent, and gaining the community’s trust was key,” she says. “It’s essential that
the Federation reflects, supports and encourages diversity in its members so they feel valued and an integral part of the ever- changing family.”
She believes encouraging more officers, male and female alike, into Federation roles is vital. “Officers should feel comfortable with who represents them,” she explains. “We need diversity in decision-making. But support is key, officers should be given time away from duties to represent their colleagues or specialise in particular areas.” Already, Vicky has championed student officers through the Regulation 13 process and continues to push for fairer uniform policies. Her priority, she says, is welfare, “Everyone needs guidance sometimes, and having someone outside of their shift or team can
be a benefit. My main aim is ensuring fairness is key.” As she steps into her new chapter, she’s both reflective and excited. “I’ve gained a lot of experience in my service, and there aren’t many things my colleagues have come across that I haven’t dealt with myself. But I’ll also be challenged by new experiences. The Federation role will certainly keep me on my toes.” What excites her most? “Exploring varied
areas within the Federation and potentially specialising in one, so I can become more of an expert,” she says. “I want the members to know I’ve done my utmost best for them. There is nothing more unique than being a police officer, it’s challenging, but this additional role is another opportunity to make a real difference.”
41 | POLICE | OCTOBER | 2025
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