Rich Matlock looks back on Policing Career

4 December 2025

Rich Matlock has spent nearly thirty years saying “yes” to whatever policing put in front of him.

From child protection and rape investigations to counter terrorism work and riot training, Richard has done it all.

But he is now hanging up his cuffs and reflecting on his career.

Rich joined in 1996 as a PC at Wigston, before moving onto CID, promotion and acting inspector in uniform and most recently has been working as a Detective Sergeant in the Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit dealing with high-risk incidents.

“I've always said yes when an opportunity has come up and gone all over the place. I think I've worked at pretty much every police station in Leicestershire, so it’s been interesting,” he says.

And with the Federation working as Branch Trustee, Richard has kept himself busy with conduct, performance, equality and mental health first aid, which he has relished as it gave him the chance to help colleagues.

“And people do need that help and support. It's a very scary thing to be under investigation, or when they don't understand how ill-health works or the different roles they have. We have an important role as reps, providing that listening ear and that supporting role but also challenging when needs be,” he says.

Rich says he has dealt with a lot of traumatic incidents, and supported officers as they have lost colleagues - which is a vital part of the role.

But he also has happier memories of having fun with his team and supporting people. “It’s very rewarding when you’ve supported people and they’ve gone on to become senior officers.

"That’s nice - and they still recognised the help they’ve had.

“I recently got a phone call from Chief Constable thanking me for everything I've done, after we worked together many moons ago, so it goes to show they still care.

"You end up looking after people long after they're not your shift anymore, and I don't think that'll ever change. I will miss my colleagues. I’ve been with a lovely bunch over the years and worked with some really good people.”

Rich doesn’t know how he will spend his retirement years.

For now, he is looking forward to a Christmas break and being able to say “yes” again - but this time to personal events that won’t require a check in the work calendar first.

“The last time I had some time off, I did get thoroughly bored and probably under my wife’s feet. So I imagine I’ll be sent out of the way. I’d like to do something part time or flexible. I just have no idea what it will be yet.”