Living the Dream is a raw and detailed memoir that chronicles your journey through the Thames Valley Police’s Direct Entry Detective program, sharing insights into the bureaucracy, exhaustion, moral conflicts, and the emotional highs and lows. Why was this an important book for you to write and share?

I felt it was important to write this book because I know I’m not alone in this experience. Many good people join the police determined to make a difference, but after only a few years they leave disillusioned and burnt out. I wanted to shine a light on why the system isn’t working, and the most powerful way to do that was by sharing my own story.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

I wanted to highlight some of the issues within British policing, particularly with regards to training of new recruits, but also in the wider culture and processes of the organisation. It was equally important for me to share a realistic picture of policing—not the glamour and heroics portrayed on TV, but the reality of the work, with all its pressures and complexities.

What was the most challenging part of writing your memoir, and what was the most rewarding?

The most challenging part was revisiting certain events in detail, some of which were quite upsetting. That’s why I couldn’t begin writing immediately after leaving the police—I needed time and distance from the more difficult memories. The most rewarding part has been seeing the finished book, which I’m incredibly proud of. On top of that, receiving such positive feedback has been hugely rewarding. Even close friends and family have said they now understand much more clearly what I went through.

What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?

I hope readers find the book both insightful and engaging—a genuine look behind the scenes of real police work. More than that, I hope it gives people a sense of just how demanding the job is, and why we should value the officers who do it every day. Finally, if the book reaches those in positions of influence, I hope it offers an honest insight into the urgent changes needed to repair and strengthen the policing system.

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