A POLICE sergeant who was appointed an MBE for her tireless services to charity is retiring after 30 years of protecting the public.

When Lynne Cooper joined Dorset Police as a cadet in 1988, policing was very different compared to today.

Latest figures show that there are now about 36,000 female officers in England and Wales, just over 28 per cent of the total. However three decades ago the number was far fewer and women officers were still being issued with official handbags with small truncheons designed to fit inside.

"It was more disciplined and organised when I started - you automatically had respect for rank," said Sgt Cooper, 48.

"But there's been positive changes too. There were a lot less women police officers in the early nineties, but I think that could have been because of a lack of flexibility.

"Today, the job is more flexible when it comes to childcare, which is why the service is more appealing to women now."

Sgt Cooper, who officially retires in March, was awarded the MBE in 2010 for services within the voluntary sector - something she described as 'truly the proudest day'.

She spoke about the dark side of pandemic after working on the frontline during 2020.

"There have been people who don't take the virus seriously," she said.

"Since the pandemic, I know one police officer who has died because of Covid-19.

"Policing is difficult without the current pandemic climate.

"During the past year of coronavirus, I've been spat at - and know there's been a rise in people spitting at officers. Unfortunately people are using that disgusting habit as a weapon."

However, it is not all doom and gloom for Sgt Cooper who said she would recommend serving in the police to anyone.

"I've had a great career, but I've done my 30 years and got my full pension and I'm very much looking forward to retiring," she said.

Although she is set to retire during a national lockdown, she is preparing to ramp up efforts at a Surrey camp site - designed to help those with a range of disabilities.

Since her service within the police, she made time to volunteer with The Prince's Trust across Dorset including in Weymouth and Portland.

She also volunteers with St John Ambulance in Dorset.