On The Beat

On the Beat is a collection of stories and anecdotes about a Beat Duty Police Officer posted to Battersea Division in South London in the 1980’s and 90’s. Experience the camaraderie of The Relief, the challenges of the four week shift pattern and living in a Section House. The demands placed on officers by Aid across London and understanding Officer Safety. Delve into the emotional weight of delivering death messages and the trauma of being faced with a deceased child. But there are also the lighter moments. The humour, the friendships and the unforgettable events that unfolded on Trinity Road.
You will laugh, you will cry and be shocked by the stories, told with affection and from the heart, as this young officer goes from probationary Constable to experienced Relief member. Remembering a time when it all felt a little simpler and more straightforward.

On the Beat has received praise from retired and current officers and welcome support from those outside the service.

“I read this book in one sitting”………..

“Great book, loved the stories”……….


………. “I was on a uniformed foot patrol on a Sunday Late Turn. Nothing much was happening; it was about 4.30pm and I was just returning to the Station for a bite to eat. I was walking North up Battersea Bridge Road, past some of the low-level blocks of the Surrey Lane Estate. As I looked to my left I caught the briefest of glimpses of a male leaning through the window of one of the flats pointing what appeared to be a crossbow at me. As I dived for cover behind a low brick wall I radioed for urgent assistance.

As the entire relief were swarming out of the canteen in a rush to get to me, there had been in my memory some recent incidents of crossbows being brandished on neighbouring grounds, such as Carter Street and Clapham. I had this in my mind as I dropped for cover. It should also be noted that I had not yet realised that I needed spectacles for my impaired vision, something that came into focus, as it was discovered what had actually been ‘aimed’ at me……?


“Such a well written book and brought back great memories”….


On The Beat