Shared Careers Strengthen Family Bonds
Two mothers and their daughters have expressed how pursuing careers in policing together has brought them closer than they had anticipated. Working within the Thames Valley Police, their experiences range from late-career transitions into neighbourhood roles to active duties in front line roads policing. These shared professional paths have transformed the significance of Mother's Day for them, blending feelings of pride, concern, and numerous unexpected moments.
PC Molly Clague, based in east Berkshire, reflects on how her mother, Supt Helen Kenny, has been a major influence on her career and personal development as an officer.
"There are so many opportunities in the police to serve our communities in different ways, but at the heart of it, my mum and I are both working towards the same goal of keeping people safe and supporting the public," says Molly.
Although Helen now regards Molly as both a colleague and a friend, she admits that initially learning of her daughter's decision to join the police was a shock, given the inherent challenges and risks of the profession.
"It definitely led to a few sleepless nights worrying about her," she says.
Helen expresses pride in Molly's role within the road policing unit and values the opportunity to serve alongside her. Their relationship has evolved, with advice often exchanged over glasses of wine, though Helen notes that receiving emails addressed to "Ma'am" rather than "Mum" still feels unusual.
Role Reversal Inspires New Connections
For Joanne Donohoe and her daughter Charlotte, the dynamic of their policing careers has also brought significant changes. Charlotte joined the police in 2014 and currently leads specialist safeguarding. Joanne followed in her footsteps last year, transitioning from over twenty years of work with pupils with special educational needs to become a police community support officer (PCSO).
Joanne credits Charlotte's dedication as a police officer as a major inspiration for her own career change.
"I hope I can make her feel proud," Joanne says.
Initially concerned about potentially embarrassing her daughter, Joanne has found that Charlotte is proud to introduce her as her mother.
"I have seen her several times and she's always been quite excited to say 'this is my mum' and introduce me," Joanne states.
Charlotte describes watching her mother embrace a demanding new career later in life as "exciting," and notes that receiving praise from residents unaware of their relationship has been particularly meaningful.
"We never had hobbies that we did together but this is nice - to have something in common that we can talk about," she says.
Joanne adds that observing her daughter's expertise has deepened her appreciation of Charlotte's skills and knowledge.
"I always knew she was good at her job, but now I see just how skilled and knowledgeable she really is.
We share not just a family bond, but a place in the same policing family.
We understand each other's world in a new way, the pressures, the long days and the rewards."
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