Northamptonshire Police Federation has paid tribute to Police Constable Lou James.

The officer, who began her career with the Force in 2014 as a Special Constable, died on Wednesday 8 May, following an illness.

Lou, 35, joined Northamptonshire Police as a regular in 2016 when she worked as a Response Officer in Wellingborough, before spending a year with the Domestic Abuse Unit in the north of the county and then joining the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Kettering in 2022.

“This is extremely sad news. Lou was a popular, hugely respected and hard-working officer. I know that news of her death will be felt by all who knew her. She will be very much missed,” said the secretary of Northamptonshire Police Federation Charlotte Pateman.

“Our thoughts are with Lou’s family, friends and colleagues at such a difficult time.

“If anyone requires support while they process the news, then please know the Federation is here for you.”

Before joining the police, Lou worked as a travel rep and as a cabin crew member, with her family saying both jobs allowed her to ‘deal with arrogant and sometimes aggressive customers in a calm and measured way’, while at all times, keeping a sense of humour, ‘of which Louise had in abundance’.

In a tribute released by her family, they said: “One of Louise’s main qualities was her innate sense of fairness. This was evident from an early age when she stood up to bullies at school and continued into her working life.

“Her smile and laugh lit up every room she walked into. She was always a very engaging and unpretentious woman who enjoyed working with people and was determined to see justice done in all circumstances. Including making sure she wasn’t overcharged at the bar.”

They said that it was Lou’s passion for seeking justice that drove her to join the Force. 

The tribute continues: “She wanted to be a worthwhile member of the community and to make sure people felt safe in it. She also enjoyed a hands-on approach and was never really someone who would be happy sitting behind a desk. But even this she did with enthusiasm when her illness confined her to this type of work.

“Louise loved to socialise and travel to different countries and was wonderful company, whether it be dancing with her friends, having afternoon tea with her Mum or playing silly Christmas games with her family, always wearing an outrageous hat.

“We will miss her every day but there is a sort of contentment in knowing that she lived life to the full and that she enhanced any group of people she was with.

“Cancer stole away a wonderful, loyal, loving woman who embraced all life had to offer and we must comfort ourselves with the knowledge that we were a part of that life. And what a privilege that was.”