Response Policing Week: ‘I’ve always loved the buzz of being first on the scene’

22 April 2026

To mark Response Policing Week (20-26 April), we caught up with Federation representative Simon Gdaniec as he shared what it is about the area of the profession that keeps him coming back for more.

Born and raised in Stockton-on-Tees, Simon did not have to look far for career inspiration growing up, with both his father and uncle working as officers at Cleveland Police throughout his childhood and young adulthood.

And while he may have initially gone into engineering, it would only be a matter of time until he was following in these family footsteps – albeit at a different force – and gathering plenty of response experience under his belt.

Over a quarter of a century later, the inspector says he wouldn’t choose for his professional life to have gone any other way.

“It was my dad and uncle who told me to consider Durham Constabulary after they had enjoyed working on joint projects between them and Cleveland. It turned out to be some great guidance, because I feel like this has always been the right organisation for me,” Simon said.

First on the scene

“Ever since I started on patrol in Peterlee, I’ve loved the buzz of being first on the scene and acting as that direct link to the public.

“Growing up in a policing family, I think I naturally got a sense of the type of things officers must deal with on a daily basis, and yet, you still never truly know what you’re going to walk into from one shift to the next.

“That unpredictability continues to motivate me in what I do, and I don’t see that ever changing.”

For all the strong grounding he received, nevertheless, everything Simon has gone on to achieve in the police has been earned on his own back.

Currently a response inspector in Darlington, he has grown into a widely respected leader within the Force, while also contributing to both public order and counterterrorism work over the years.

 

Simon Gdaniec

 

“I have done a lot – even spending periods in the control room and Force headquarters – but response has been at the heart of so many of my proudest moments.

“Highlights that stick out are the Chief Constable’s commendation I received for my work on high-risk missing-from-home cases, and a letter of thanks from the senior investigating officer on my first murder enquiry, which meant a lot because it confirmed I had done a lot of the right things in what was a big test for me at the time.”

Now over a quarter of a century into his career, Simon says there is ‘nothing better than seeing a young officer come in and do well’.

The 52-year-old went on to offer some advice for his emerging colleagues looking to make an impact on the frontline.

Communication

“I think a good response officer needs to be courageous, determined and professionally curious.

“You need to be able to empathise with the broadest cross-section of the public and adapt your communication style based on the needs of the person at hand.

“Above all else, we don’t get the luxury of time in response, so you need to be prepared to step up to any challenge at a moment’s notice.”

A sense of care and consideration for his Force counterparts has also been behind Simon’s long-standing position within the Federation, which he joined as a rep in 2011.

Beginning as a ‘go-to person’ for members on regulations such as overtime and annual leave, he has spent time on the Branch Board around conduct and discipline matters and has gone on to help manage the Fed’s financial planning and budgeting, first as a trustee and then as deputy treasurer.

Subscriptions

“I’ve always been a number nerd, and making sure the subscriptions of our hard-working members are maximised for their benefit is important to me,” he continued.

“Across my 26 years in policing, I’d like to think I’ve developed a good knowledge of what our members need and deserve – particularly those on the frontline, who I have a vested interest in, of course.

“In a profession of unique demands, the officers who answer those demands most directly deserve the same level of protection for themselves.

“Response is the main way I have realised my calling to the police, and I have a lot to thank it for. At the same time, it takes a lot of dedication, so it’s crucial that those who work in it get given a lot back in return.”

READ MORE: Fed supports Response Policing Week.