A mum from Burnley uprooted her life to become a police officer and now her daughter is following in her footsteps.

Police constable Sarah Angus has been part of West Midlands Police since 1995. 

Wanting a change from the Lancashire countryside, she uprooted her life in Burnley at the age of 21 to become a police officer. 

Over the years, Sarah has held a number of roles across the region.

She’s worked on crime teams in and around the city, she became a member of the force’s project guardian knife crime team in Smethwick, as well as spending 23 years as a response officer at Stechford.

More recently, she’s been part of the force support unit before moving to Coventry CID. 
 
When Sarah joined the police, her daughter Joanne was only 18 months old. Growing up, policing was always a big part of Joanne’s life. 
 
Joanne realised she held the same ambition as her mum, aiming to one day join West Midlands Police herself. During lockdown, she decided to follow that dream and became an officer in February 2021. 
 
Joanne has recently completed her training and is now permanently posted on the police response team in Sutton Coldfield.  
 
Through her hard work, she is also one of only a few of her cohort to achieve a first-class honours degree.
 
Sarah said: “It wasn’t always easy juggling a career in policing with having a young daughter, but it’s all worth it.

“I’m so proud of Joanne following in my footsteps and I’m excited to see where her career takes her.” 
 
Joanne added: “I knew from an early age that I wanted to be an officer when I grew up. Watching my mum really sparked that ambition within me and I’m happy to join her at West Midlands Police. 
 
“I worked really hard on my degree and I’m proud of everything I’ve achieved so far. I’m excited to continue my career and want to take every opportunity available to me.” 

A police spokesperson said: “Ever thought about joining the police? All of our six entry routes are still open for applications.

“There’s an option for everyone, whether you’re looking for formal qualifications, a graduate scheme, practical police training or a route to become a detective.”