ONE of a police force's longest-serving members of staff has retired after 46 years of service.
David Atkinson, from Darlington, joined Durham Police as a cadet in Sedgefield in 1968.
He was part of a 150-strong cadet team that took part in a three year introduction to the world of policing, which included on-the-job training alongside education – similar to a modern-day apprenticeship.
Mr Atkinson, now 62, operated as a police constable based in Darlington for 31 years, taking on a number of different roles including ten years as a response officer.
After retiring from his role as a PC, he then re-joined the force in a civilian position, where he has most recently worked as a data quality clerk.
Mr Atkinson said: “I’ve seen many changes in the way that a police force operates over the time I’ve been with Durham Constabulary.
"When I started my career we stored information on index cards; with the introduction of computers and other pieces of technology it’s fair to say a modern-day police force is unrecognisable from the one that I started in.
“It seems like a good time to move on; as our old headquarters building which was just being finished when I began my career is ready to take its retirement too.
“I’m looking forward to spending time with my wife, who retired with over 30 years’ service from a civilian role in the force back in 2010, and with my four grandchildren.”
Chief Constable Mike Barton said: “In the modern world it’s a rarity for someone to dedicate their entire career to one organisation. It makes me extremely proud that we have members of our team who have done this, like David."
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