Sharon Pickering

I am a highly proficient and experienced leader, with 20+ years of policing experience. I specialise in building high performing teams focused on delivering exceptional customer service. I operate at executive levels both within my own personal standards, stakeholders and partnerships. I have demonstrated my skills in building successful relationships, teams and implementing models to consistently improve the end customer experience by providing ongoing innovation, delivering transition and transformation of services.

I am a strong people manager with a proven record at managing teams in diverse communities & cultures whilst maintaining a commonality of purpose. I am able to bridge and adjust my management style between matrix and direct management organisational structures in order to fulfil diverse business demands. I am passionate about development and building empowered teams.

• Maintained strict confidentiality through careful and correct storage of case documents, in line with internal policies.
• Devised and implemented strategies for identifying and resolving personnel issues.
• Controlled front-line responses and investigations through resource allocation, supervision and risk management.
• Coordinated complex investigations with external law enforcement agencies.
• Directed staff on assigned shifts and reviewed completed shift activities and incidents with employees.
• Responded quickly to emergency situations, leading calm and effective negotiations with suspects to diffuse highly charged situations.
• Created training programs for department personnel to learn new skills and techniques.
• Maintained calm under pressure in emergency response and handling, aiding desired outcomes.
• Established partnerships to meet community policing objectives.
• Attended criminal and civil cases to testify and provide evidence to support judgements.
• Screened officers for mental health issues and intervened to address potential medical concerns or obligations.
• Motivated and encouraged team members to enable effective front-line policing service.

• Provided knowledgeable advice covering Criminal law and the application of legal matters.
• Used knowledge of previous court decisions and laws to enhance case files and increase charging standards
• Carried out background research and preparatory work to present established client cases.
• Monitored litigation developments to give current legal advice.
• Reviewed legal documents for accuracy and compliance.
• Coordinated case evidence to support positive client outcomes.
• Performed additional research and evidence gathering to strengthen client cases.
• Managed high volume client caseloads through planning and organisation.
• Documented case progress and outcomes, creating reports for further analysis.
• Handled case documentation safely and securely for optimised client confidentiality.

• Applied policies and procedures to maintain high standards of security and safety.
• Controlled front-line responses and investigations through resource allocation, supervision and risk management.
• Coordinated physical searches to remove contraband and weapons from suspects.
• Treated detainees with respect and dignity and addressed well-being issues during detention.
• Maintained calm under pressure in emergency response and handling, aiding desired outcomes.
• Supervised collection of fingerprints, mugshots and personal items during booking process.
• Oversaw completion of mandatory drug testing and cell searches for new detainees.
• Identified detainees in need of specialised health and wellbeing support.
• Mentored individuals to minimise likelihood of re-offending.
• Conducted periodic cell inspections to assess prison standards and identify rule breaches.
• Identified and neutralised security threats in line with official policy.
• Understood correctional and law enforcement procedures and terminology for clear communication.
• Handled and operated surveillance equipment to support investigations.
• De-escalated threatening behaviours, using restraint techniques when necessary.
• Established meaningful working relationships to encourage positive approach to rehabilitation and personal development.
• Identified vulnerable people in custody and handled instances of self-harming in accordance with policy and safeguarding.

• Identified complaint trends and patterns to report to supervisors and guide changes.
• Owned end-to-end complaint handling and resolution in line with established procedures.
• Used time-management skills to minimise complaint lifecycle and meet regulatory timelines.
• Took ownership for customer correspondence to deliver exceptional customer service levels.
• Identified root causes of complaints through effective questioning.
• Responded to customer feedback within target timescales.
• De-escalated aggressive behaviour using effective conflict resolution techniques.
• Adhered strictly to policies and procedures for continued company compliance.
• Investigated reported issues, liaising with staff at multiple levels to obtain relevant information.
• Communicated customer feedback through appropriate channels to help fuel continuous improvement.
• Educating officers in areas of complaint via Reflective Practice as prescribed by the IPOC (Independent Office of Police Complaints)

Negotiated contracts and mutually favourable agreements on behalf of senior leaders.

• Maintained up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation including Children Act 1989 and Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• Chaired a Joint Safeguarding Board with stakeholders and Partners.
• Established and maintained professional relationships to offer objective guidance and support.
• Adhered to safeguarding principles to protect service users from risk.
• Created comprehensive service user reports with thorough risk assessments, enabling effective multi-disciplinary team management of criminal cases.
• Advocated for client needs and rights with court officials, law enforcement personnel and regulatory agencies.
• Identified patients in need of more personalised treatment and recommended to psychiatrists. Compiling Pre sentencing reports as to suitability of the patient entering the Criminal Justice System.
• Managed assigned caseload documentation in alignment with regulatory requirements and standards.
• Assisted patients to manage emotions through de-escalation strategies.
• Fostered strong and trusting rapport through clear communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Employed emotional intelligence and cultural competence to liaise with international parties.
• Reduced stigma and drove awareness of mental health issues, speaking at community events to educate public.
• Liaised with healthcare and social work personnel to arrange access to services for client requirements Within the Criminal Justice system
• Developed strong professional relationships with patients and healthcare staff to identify and meet care needs within the Criminal Justice & Courts System
• Raised awareness of safeguarding best practices through internal marketing communications.
• Improved reporting procedures to speed up recording and processing of safeguarding concerns.
• Helped staff and teaching teams to uphold safe, secure environments.
• Prepared professional business correspondence on behalf of senior staff and organisation.
• Partnered with management to implement processes and complete special projects.
• Assessed risks to address uncertainty and make informed decisions.