Jonathan Betts with the Queen in 1999

Chief Superintendent Jonathan Betts reflects on his 29 year police career, 17 of which as a Superintendent and his focus on well-being.

He shares his personal experience of losing a child and the lack of support for bereaved fathers, which led him to advocate for men to talk more about their feelings. Jonathan also discusses his involvement in preparing for the potential millennium bug and escorting Queen Elizabeth during her inspection of emergency service preparedness.

He concludes by discussing his passion for marathon running and his plans to set up his own business focused on well-being and outdoor activities.

Jonathan won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Police Superintendent’s Presidents Awards in September 

The awards, sponsored by Police Mutual, are presented at the association’s annual conference, which was held in Kenilworth

Judged by the association’s national team, they recognise the achievements of superintendents and chief superintendents and the contribution they make to policing, to their colleagues and to the public.

•  During his 29 years of dedicated service, he has supported officers into the rank of superintendent and has successfully provided coaching and mentoring to support colleagues into the chief officer ranks.
• As a senior officer he is respected, always looking to identify and promote difference and talent, making time to work with officers to support them through the promotion processes.
• He is a wellbeing champion and a men’s health staff network lead, placing strong emphasis on welfare. Regardless of the pressures associated with the rank of superintendent, he will always promote the need to balance work and home life.
• His nominator described him as an ambassador for the rank of superintendent, leading by example, and serving as a role model, with integrity and longevity.

Takeaways

• Chief Superintendent Jonathan Betts has served as a Superintendent or Chief Superintendent for 17 years.
• Jonathan advocates for men to talk about their feelings and seeks to break the culture of struggling in isolation.
• He was involved in preparing for the potential millennium bug and had the privilege of escorting Queen Elizabeth during her inspection of emergency service preparedness.
• He finds personal well-being and solace in marathon running and plans to set up his own business focused on well-being and outdoor activities.
• Jonathan won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Police Superintendent’s Presidents Awards in September 

Sound Bites

• “I would cry on my way to work and I’d cry on my way home.”
• “I’ve been very focused on nurturing other leaders, other superintendents.”
• “I was staff officer to Chief Superintendent in Greater Manchester.”

Chapters

• 00:00 – Introduction and Police Career
• 04:26 – Focus on Well-being
• 09:02 – Preparing for the Millennium Bug
• 12:18 – Escorting Queen Elizabeth
• 12:46 – From Loss to Marathon Running
• 14:29 – Building a Business Around Well-being

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