DETECTIVE

BARBARA ALLEN is a detective with Cleveland Police homicide and major enquiry team.

“We’ve had a severe second wave in the north-east and, despite following all the protocols, there have been a few cases of Covid — including me — among the homicide team. Fortunately, I didn’t feel too poorly, but I was frustrated that my work was being delayed. Even though we’ve all been equipped with laptops, so much of my job can’t be done from home.

The team has been working on a major murder enquiry for the past 18 months. Four suspects are currently on trial, while a manhunt is continuing for the other four, who are here illegally and so it’s proving tricky to track them down. My job involves office-based research, as well as going out and about conducting enquiries. Lockdown one stopped us in our tracks because we weren’t allowed to leave the station. Even things like team briefings stopped. It’s been surreal.

I’m also on standby to go out on response in uniform. It’s vital that we have enough officers on the front line to cover for those who are sick or isolating. While some members of my department have been out in a response car, I haven’t received the call-up yet.

On average, I work a 40-hour week, but it can be much more if I’m staying away following up enquiries. Sometimes a day doesn’t end until 10pm. If I’m away I obviously don’t see my horse, Snoop, but as soon as I can I head to Upsall Grange Equestrian, where I keep him. Even after the worst day, when I’m feeling grumpy, all that stress and moodiness simply lifts. I don’t even need to ride. Sometimes I’ll just sit and talk to Snoop in his stable.

I think the pandemic has made me appreciate having a horse so much more. I’ve seen people on social media locked down at home, and being able to ride Snoop makes me feel incredibly fortunate. One of my favourite hacks takes me to the top of a hill from where I can see all across Teesside. It’s incredible.

I missed Snoop like mad when I was isolating. But it’s not just me who’s been ill. In December, Snoop spent four days in intensive care at Hambleton Equine Clinic with a displaced colon. Thanks to their great care, he pulled through and came home on Christmas Eve. It was my ultimate Christmas present.”

“The team has been working on a major murder enquiry. Lockdown one stopped us in our tracks”