Police call handler ‘lived and breathed’ hunt for baby Abbie
RETIRING OPERATOR RECALLS DAYS OF GLOBAL ATTENTION
A CONTROL room operator who helped locate a baby who was snatched from a Nottingham hospital has spoken of the experience that left her “utterly overwhelmed.”
Sam Sargent, who is now retiring from policing, helped to gather vital information about the case in one of the biggest missing person enquiries of the 1990s.
An international manhunt began when baby Abbie Humphreys, who was just three hours old, was taken from the Queen’s Medical Centre by 22-year-old Julie Kelley, who had disguised herself as a nurse.
Little Abbie was kidnapped in July 1994 and held captive for 17 days.
The police search was frantic, with calls of possible sightings flooding in throughout the days following her disappearance.
Looking back at one of the biggest moments of her 35-year career, Mrs Sargent said that she “lived and breathed that investigation.”
She said: “The force set up an incident room specifically for this case.
“We would have calls coming in from all over the world, reporting suspicious incidents or possible sightings.
“Information and support came flooding in both locally and nationally including a few calls from clairvoyants.
“It was our job to make sure we gathered all this potential intelligence and that the officers investigating were kept fully updated with the latest information that was coming in.
“The adrenaline and urgency was felt by everyone within the investigation.
“Everyone got to work and set the wheels in motion to help find this vulnerable little girl.”
Kelley was arrested and sentenced to three years’ probation.
The crime was a sensation throughout the whole of Britain, with Princess Diana sending a message of goodwill to Abbie’s family.
When she was finally found and returned it was a relief for all including all of those who had worked so hard to locate her.
Mrs Sargent added: “I remember putting in long hours during the period she was missing.
“I would go home, sleep, and then come back to work. It’s safe to say we lived and breathed that investigation.
“She was missing for 17 days which, especially in this situation, felt like an age.
“Everyone pulled together, including the control room team and partner agencies, to gather and share as much information and intelligence as we could.
“It was such a relief when she was found safe and well. It felt like a huge accomplishment in that we had all done our respective roles well.
“I remember getting the update and I just felt so utterly overwhelmed.
“Now as a mother, I look back and I can’t imagine what the family must have gone through.
“They both got the help they needed and it’s moments like that which give you a stark reminder as to why you do your job and how rewarding it is when there is a positive outcome.” Sam’s Chief Inspector, Simon Crane, said: “Sam has worked across all groups during her time in the control room and with many colleagues.
“I know that she is universally popular and respected by all. “Sam is a positive, warm and engaging person who will be ideally suited to her new job as a counsellor. “I know that I will not be alone though in missing her and especially her distinctive, infectious laughter, and she takes with her all of our good wishes for the future.” Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: “Operators in the control room are at the forefront of all incidents and are very often the first point of contact when people need us. “Sam’s career just goes to show what policing is all about, being part of a team, being dedicated and working together to help people, and inspiring others to do the same. “She has been an absolute asset to the force and I know those she has worked with and those she remains friends with have seen that first hand.”
The adrenaline and urgency was felt by everyone within the investigation.
Sam Sargent