The patrol beat can take many forms for Suffolk police officers and WILLIAM WARNES experiences first hand the work of a unique unit safeguarding young people across the county.
"I want to help make the world a better place," said PC Samuel Stopher as the lights of Ipswich faded into the distance.
"That's why I do this job and that's what keeps me motivated."
PC Stopher and his colleague PC Molly Stanmore belong to Suffolk Constabulary's Child Exploitation and Gangs Unit.
Their objective is simple: to identify young people who could be at risk of exploitation by individuals or gangs and use various tactics to intercept and safeguard them.
"Knowing I'm helping people and making a difference to a child's life keeps me motivated," said PC Stanmore.
"For me, that's what it's all about."
During the evening, the pair had been called to an area just outside Ipswich to hand out two Child Abduction Warning Notices (CAWN) - one of the many tactics the unit has at its disposal.
"We give these out when we have concerns about a potential young person being exploited," said PC Stopher.
"They are essentially warning notices that prevent people over 18 from having contact with the child in question.
"So at this stage, we're not criminilasing them.
"If contact stops, that's as far as it will go. But if they continue, they run the risk of being arrested."
PC Stopher indicates to a pair standing at the edge of the car park.
The officer stepped outside to talk with the couple before asking them to join us in the car.
As they stepped inside, it was impossible not to feel a sense of nervousness.
"I'm going to switch this camera on," PC Stopher said, pointing to a small recording device carefully placed on the dashboard.
"If anything I'm about to say is unclear, please let me know."
The conversation lasted for around 20 minutes in total, with the officer reading aloud every detail of the notice.
When it was over, the pair stepped outside and we headed back to Ipswich.
"They accepted that quite calmly," said PC Stanmore.
"That was a great result and we know there are now two more children who have been successfully safeguarded."
The Child Exploitation and Gangs Unit is a unique division within Suffolk Constabulary.
Consisting of one sergeant and five officers, each individual is assigned a selection of vulnerable young people to safeguard.
"Every child is different," said PC Stopher.
"This system allows us to develop a detailed understanding of every individual's personal needs and develop a personal relationship with them."
"I suppose you could say we're quite a unique unit," added PC Stanmore.
"We work with partner agencies as well.
"We believe we can achieve more that way and help to prevent children from being led down the wrong path."
At around 9pm, we returned to Ipswich to conduct a foot patrol of the town's streets.
While on these exercises, officer responsibilites include carrying out 'weapon sweeps', engaging with young people and being on hand to help out other police units in the area.
One of the specialist group's key remits is to focus on potential gang activity in the town - with constables working alongside police intelligence to ensure they are able to identify known individuals.
"We'll spend a lot of time in areas where groups of young people tend to be," said PC Stopher.
"But we're keen to not keep revisiting the same place over and over.
"We like to be present in a range of areas to ensure we can either be a reassuring presence for residents or intercept and prevent potential illegal activity."
Once the sweep was complete, we returned to Landmark House - where PCs Stopher and Stanmore would finish a long shift.
Waiting there was Sgt Ian Brown - a police officer for more than 23 years and the unit's chief for more than 14 months.
"I suppose you could say we're a bit like a family," he said.
"For me, the best part of this job is to support officers like PC Stopher and Stanmore and encourage them to follow their own path.
"And with an increase in gang involvement and exploitation across the country, a unit like this is so important.
"I'm a father myself and that plays a big role in why I do this job."
As the shift came to a close, the officers reflected on their motivations for the job.
"People often ask us that," said PC Stanmore.
"I used to work in a school so I've always been keen to help children and keep them safe.
"It sounds cliche but knowing we've made a difference is what it's all about.
"This is the best job in the world and I'd never want to do anything else."
"Being a father is a big motivation for me," added PC Stopher.
"I want the world to be a better place for my kids.
"It all comes down to one thing really. If I can go to bed every night knowing I've made a difference, I'll sleep easy."
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