AN OFFICER who has dedicated her career to helping others has spoken about her time on the front line.
Jo Dixon has worked at West Midlands Police supporting people for more than 25 years, but for the last three years she has taken on the role as Vulnerability Officer in Solihull.
In her role Jo tries to help people who are elderly, suffering with their mental health, alcohol and drug abuse and children caught up in County Lines or who go missing.
In January alone, she received more than one hundred referrals for people who need help.
She said: “I recently referred an elderly woman who used to call us up daily because she was suffering with her mental health that hadn’t been formerly diagnosed.
“It’s heart-breaking to know that someone is calling the police because they feel that they have nobody else to talk to.
“After working with our partners, I ensured she was referred to the appropriate agency and she’s now getting the help she needs.”
She said it’s examples like this are why she loves her job.
Jo added: “A lot of people don’t like asking for help or know that there is help out there but don’t know where to start.
“I make sure that when someone is referred for further support, they are getting the right help that they need.”
Previously she worked as a traffic warden and most recently a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) in the borough helping those that need help most.
She said: “Working for the police isn’t just about responding to an incident, it’s also about recognising that something isn’t right before it’s too late.
“When I worked as a PCSO, I loved working closely with the community and making the difference. For me, this role is the next step to further help those who need it.
