Three years ago she worked with brewers, now Julia Alger helps police investigate murders, abductions, rapes and extortions.
Brewery administrator turned detective - Julia Alger Picture: MAXINE CLARKE
Ms Alger, a 38-year-old mother-of-two is one of 14 investigating officers, drawn from a range of backgrounds, recruited by Essex Police to work with detectives on some of the county's highest profile investigations.
The officers were recruited after the introduction of the 2002 Police Reform Act which allowed forces to attach civilians to various departments.
Ms Alger, who works with the Rayleigh Major Investigation team, said she had wanted to join the police when she left school, but was not able to meet stringent height restrictions.
Prior to her appointment, she had worked as a brewery administrator before landing a job in information technology at the Rayleigh Police Station.
The Wickford-raised mother said a stint of jury duty rekindled her interest in justice. She said: "It's always been something that was at the back of my mind."
Detective Nick Stoneman of Rayleigh MIT said the new officers brought a "wealth of talent" to the department.
Published Wednesday January 21, 2004
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