For most people, starting a new job comes with a few nerves. For Police Community Support Officers Kate Jackson and Lee Hare, it also involved sharing half a bottle of Rescue Remedy in a car park.

Twenty years later, the pair are still laughing about it.

Kate and Lee, two of the most recognisable faces in neighbourhood policing in Swindon, are celebrating 20 years of working together. Known for their enthusiasm, community spirit and popular social media posts, the pair have spent two decades building relationships, supporting local people and helping keep communities safe.

While they first met through a mutual friend, their friendship truly began in the car park at Police Headquarters in Devizes before their recruitment assessment day.

“We were both incredibly nervous,” Kate recalled. “We got chatting while waiting to go in and somehow ended up sharing half a bottle of Bach Rescue Remedy between us. Looking back, we probably should have read the instructions first, as the recommended dose was only a few drops at a time, not half the bottle!”

Lee added: “Despite starting our policing journey in a slight Rescue Remedy-induced haze, we both got through the assessment and the friendship has lasted ever since. Twenty years later, we’re still working together, still supporting each other and still laughing about that first day in the HQ car park.”

Friends from day one

The connection was immediate.

“My first impression of Lee was that he was approachable, knowledgeable and always willing to help,” said Kate. “He had a great sense of humour which immediately put me at ease.”

For Lee, it was much the same.

“Kate came across as enthusiastic and someone who genuinely wanted to help make a difference. She made me feel really relaxed. It was as if we had known each other forever and we hit it off instantly.”

That friendship has become one of the foundations of a successful working partnership.

“There’s a lot of trust and respect between us,” said Kate. “We know each other’s strengths and can rely on one another whether we’re dealing with a challenging incident or delivering a school assembly. We also definitely like to have a laugh along the way, which helps on the tougher days.”

Lee agrees. “We both understand that we do a serious job and will always be professional. But when the situation allows, we show our fun, human side because that’s a great way to engage and connect with our community.”

Countless memories and community impact

After 20 years, narrowing down standout moments is no easy task.

“There have been so many,” said Lee. “Some of the stand-out moments have been helping vulnerable people when they’ve needed support the most and seeing the positive impact neighbourhood policing can have on communities.”

For Kate, much of that impact has come through working with young people. “Building relationships with schools and young people through projects like Mini Police has been incredibly rewarding. We’ve been involved in countless warrants, hundreds of school inputs and covered many thousands of miles on our bikes.”

Both are quick to praise each other’s strengths.

“I’ve seen Lee remain calm and professional in some really challenging situations,” said Kate. “His ability to talk to people and diffuse difficult incidents is something I’ve always admired.”

Lee said: “Kate has a fantastic way of connecting with people, especially young people. She can remember the face and name of so many people we’ve dealt with over the years.”

The stories they’ll never forget

Of course, two decades of policing together has also produced more than its fair share of funny moments.

Many involve bicycles.

Among Kate’s memorable moments was falling straight off her bike outside a resident’s house.

“It was so loud they came to the door to see what had happened,” laughed Lee.

Lee hasn’t escaped embarrassment either.

During one cycle patrol break, he attempted to casually lean on a post while talking to Kate, only to completely miss it and end up on the floor.

“It was like a scene from Only Fools and Horses,” Kate recalled.

Another memorable moment came after a particularly stressful day when the team sat down together.

“Lee lowered his head into his hands and both of his contact lenses fell out onto the table at the same time,” said Kate. “It looked like something straight out of a cartoon.”

And then there was the infamous police car incident.

In their early days, the pair were given an old Proton patrol car for the day. Curious to discover which button operated the loudspeaker, they accidentally activated the lights and sirens in the middle of a busy shopping area.

“We had absolutely no idea how to turn them off again,” laughed Lee. “All these shoppers were watching while we desperately pressed buttons trying to stop them.”

Twenty years of change

Both agree that policing today looks very different from when they first joined.

“Technology now plays a huge role in policing,” said Lee. “Back then it was mostly pen and paper. We now deal with issues that barely existed 20 years ago, such as online crime and incidents linked to social media.”

Ironically, social media has become one of the reasons they are now so well known across Swindon, with their engaging posts helping them connect with residents, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the tools and challenges have evolved, they say the core of neighbourhood policing remains exactly the same.

“Being visible, building relationships, supporting vulnerable people and helping to keep communities safe has never changed,” said Kate. “That’s still the best part of the job and the reason we joined.”

Together, they reflect on a milestone few colleagues will ever share.

“We’re incredibly proud to have served our communities over the last 20 years and feel privileged to have met so many amazing people along the way, including each other.

“It’s been quite a journey, and we’re not done yet.”