ONWARDS AND UPWARDS

Sunita Gamblin is Chief Inspector and Community and Partnerships Manager for Derbyshire Constabulary. Having served in the police for 19 years, Sunita is dedicated to the force and to her local community.

“I first had the idea of joining the force when I was 16, after leaving education with a few GCSEs. Although I had always wanted to join the force, the school careers advisor felt that because of my few qualifications, my height (5ft 4 inches) and my physical stature, I’d never get in. It was my brother who persuaded me to apply after seeing an advert in the local paper. I’ve never looked back since.

As an Asian female officer, with over 19 years service, I’ve seen a lot of changes in the force.

I feel that my cultural background gives me an invaluable insight into the communities I work for and enables me to communicate with groups that are sometimes labelled as ‘hard to reach’. We are making some headway to attracting more ethnic groups to the organisation and, although I’m extremely proud of my achievement of becoming the first and only Asian female Chief Inspector in Derbyshire, I look forward to the day when I’m not the exception.

This role is so rewarding and allows me to keep close to my community, who are at the forefront of every decision that I make. I would encourage all women, from all backgrounds to consider a role in the force, providing you have ambition and the willingness to succeed.
Some of the key qualities that have helped me in my career are as follows: I am a team worker and like to listen, build positive relationships and people tell me I am diplomatic – that said I am very honest and direct. I am also disciplined, well organised and have an ability to take practical steps and actions, I have a common sense approach to my job and like to get things done.
I am determined and ambitious, but have always been respectful of my peers and of the public. Manners cost nothing, but can get you a long way ahead of the game.

I am willing to go wherever my career takes me and look forward to my future challenges within the force. Onwards and upwards.” n

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