New career for popular bobby

After nearly 30 years of service to the community a popular policeman is stepping away from the force.

Jim Tyner (55) is leaving after a decorated career with Lincolnshire Police.

The Spalding resident first joined the force as a volunteer special constable in the town in 1989.

After becoming a full-time PC in 1992 he rose through the ranks becoming chief inspector in both Skegness and Grantham.

He also took on a number of neighbourhood policing roles, including a two-year secondment advising the Home Office on its policy which led to the creation of PCSOs.

Most recently Jim has been the rural community safety manager, particularly working with Operation Galileo, the fight against hare coursing.

It’s been a long and varied career.

“It sounds corny, but like most people who join the police force, I joined as I wanted to make a difference,” Jim said.

“I’ve absolutely loved the job and really enjoyed everything I’ve done, particularly the neighbourhood policing aspect.

“I honestly think Lincolnshire cops are great. The training they receive now is excellent.

“A lot of the work is encountering people in moments of trauma.

“We make a difference and help people, be it victims or the lost and lonely of society – that’s what I like about policing.”

On memorable moments, Jim says: “There was the time I had to bark like a dog to scare a burglar out of a house.

“When I was in Skegness a member of the public contacted me on Twitter to say she was struggling with mental health. She’d seen me tweeting and trusted me so I was able to alert officer near by. It’s a great feeling to know you’ve made a difference to a person.

“I think being involved in the police is a lovely job.

“You’re never sure what’s on the other end of the phone and what you’re going to be doing next.

“It has its challenges. It’s a lot better in terms of safety equipment now but you always get people who forcibly don’t want to be arrested.

“It’s not for everyone, but if you want to make a real difference to your community it’s the best job in the world.”

A father of two grown up children, Jim celebrated his silver wedding anniversary to Jayne recently.

In July he is taking on the role of property operations manager at The National Trust’s Lyveden property near Oundle.

“I wanted to do something for a not-for-profit organisation and I felt I have a lot of transferable managerial skills,” he said. “With that and the fact I love history, this new role just landed perfectly for me.”