Police officer retires after 41 years on the beat

A police officer has announced his retirement after more than four decades serving Northamptonshire.

Police community support officer (PCSO) Peter Littleton started his career in Rushden in October 1984, before working in school liaison, rural policing and crime investigation.

Littleton, who has also spent much of his service in Wellingborough, described his work as an "honour".

Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet said he had demonstrated "dedication, compassion and has made an enormous contribution to Northamptonshire".

Littleton received a commendation for leading an investigation into a series of Wellingborough knifepoint robberies in 2006, which led to the culprits being jailed.

He remained a police constable until 2015, before working with British Transport Police, and later returning to Northamptonshire as a PCSO.

Littleton said the alcohol-related disorder that dominated his early career had been superseded by drug-related issues.

The "digital revolution" was also very noticeable, adding: "When I started, everything was paper‑based.

"Today we all have laptops and mobile phones which [means] officers can spend more time in the community".

When asked what had not changed, he said: "Being a visible, local presence still matters.

"Knowing your community and being known in return is at the heart of effective neighbourhood policing."

Littleton credited his wife, who he has been married to since 1990, as his biggest support throughout his career.

He said that after he retired later this month, he would have a slower pace of life in Norwich with family and grandchildren.

He expects to care for his elderly mother, serve in his local church and enjoy gardening and travelling.

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