On a recent late afternoon in Brighton and Hove, a unique insight was gained into the demanding and varied work of local police officers PC Emma Aylen and Jodie Sullivan during a night shift accompanied by a reporter from The Argus. The experience offers a close-up of the challenges and realities faced by frontline officers in this bustling city.

Emma Aylen, a veteran officer with 29 years’ service split between the Metropolitan Police and Sussex Police, and Jodie Sullivan, who has been with the Sussex force for nearly five years, are featured in Channel 4’s new series Night Coppers. The programme follows officers working the night shift, tackling incidents ranging from nightclub disturbances to safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

The glimpse into their daily routine began with a briefing at Brighton police station delivered around 3pm, focusing on matters such as missing persons and outstanding arrest warrants. Emma and Jodie’s commitment was evident as they worked without a break for the five-hour period observed.

Emma described Brighton as akin to a “teeny tiny London” with similar pressures but fewer officers, making their roles especially challenging. Both officers noted significant changes in the crime landscape during Emma’s eight years with Sussex Police, including the rise of county lines drug networks and increased knife crime, issues that were once rare in the area.

Jodie highlighted the emotional difficulty inherent in policing, saying, “Dealing with the more emotional parts is a challenge… You’re seeing people on their worst day. Sometimes you might have to deliver news of the death of a loved one to family. People look to us to be professional… but we’re human too.”

Throughout the shift, their work involved a wide range of duties beyond traditional crime-fighting. Initial calls included welfare checks at local hostels, followed by responding to a domestic incident where a man’s intoxication and disruptive behaviour involved safeguarding rather than criminal action. The officers also visited the Brighton Centre to respond to concerns about underage concertgoers attempting to gain entry without adult supervision.

A significant part of the evening was dedicated to a large-scale search operation at Ditchling Beacon, where a woman’s car had been spotted amid fears she might harm herself. The search involved a helicopter from the Metropolitan Police Service, a dog unit, numerous police vehicles, and many officers combing the area in cold and muddy conditions. After an anxious 40 minutes, the woman was found safe but distressed, marking a moment of relief for all involved.

Emma and Jodie’s duties extended to Stanmer Park’s woods where another search effort was undertaken. Despite the emotional toll and physical exhaustion, the officers maintained a close camaraderie, with Jodie describing their team as “very tight knit.”

Emma reflected on the nature of their work: “No two days are the same. No two hours are the same.” She spoke candidly about the absence of glamour in policing, the public’s often critical view of the force, and the frustration officers face when misconceptions arise—such as the belief they have more time or choose which laws to enforce.

The clock moves unpredictably in policing, with moments of tension, sadness, and a need for resilience. Emma shared that even after 29 years, the instinctive alertness, which she calls the “twitch,” is still ever present.

The shift concluded with a simple act of kindness from a local chip shop owner, who refused payment after learning of Emma’s exhaustive search through mud and cold. This illustrated that despite the pressures and occasional public opposition, the work of officers like Emma and Jodie continues to be valued in the community.

The new series of Night Coppers, which captures the reality of such shifts in Brighton and Hove, begins airing at 9pm on Tuesday 6 May on Channel 4.

Source: Noah Wire Services