Public Servant Lifestyle

The senior detective who heads Northumbria Police's Crime Department retires after more than 30 years with the force.

Detective Chief Superintendent (Det C/Supt) Steve Bolam has spent his entire police career with Northumbria, having joined in 1975.

Pictured (right): Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Bolam.

He has had a variety of roles in Northumbria. When he was first appointed as a police constable he served in the west end of Newcastle and was made a detective constable in Wallsend in 1981. Six years later he moved to South Shields on promotion to detective sergeant and was promoted to detective inspector in 1990 when he moved to Newcastle city centre.

Training Department

After a period in the force's Training Department, he was promoted to detective chief inspector at South Tyneside and Newcastle in 1994 and detective superintendent in 1997. He was detective superintendent with responsibility for intelligence followed by a spell in charge of the force's two crime teams. In 2003 he was appointed chief superintendent and head of the Northumbria Police Crime Department, overseeing all major criminal investigations.

In his career as a detective and senior investigating officer, Det C/Supt Bolam has been involved in a whole range of serious crime enquiries and headed up a number of high profile investigations, most notably the murders of Laura Kane of Penshaw in August 1999, Sara Cameron in North Tyneside in April 2000, and John Wells in Newcastle on New Year's Day 2003, all of which led to the conviction of those responsible.

Crime investigation has broadened out in the years since Det C/Supt Bolam first became a detective. Developments such as the increasing application of forensic science techniques, the use of technology including CCTV and the role of family liaison have all brought a new dimension to investigating crime.

"Serious crime investigations are very much a total team effort, bringing together a collection of specialists who are directed by the senior investigating officer, but all experts in their own right who provide a focus for the enquiry," he said. "We've moved a long way in the last 30 years."

Although Det C/Supt Bolam is looking forward to spending more time with his family after he retires, he also plans to retain his involvement in training senior investigating officers at national level.

"Enjoyed Every Minute"

"I've thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my career. It's provided some fantastic opportunities and although I've faced some really difficult challenges I've also found it extremely satisfying. The quality of the people I've worked with are what I will miss the most."

Assistant Chief Constable Greg Vant paid this tribute: "Det C/Supt Steve Bolam is one of the most highly respected senior CID officers within our region. He has given 31 years dedicated and committed service to the communities of the region, in the investigation of serious crime, working tirelessly to solve crime that has adversely affected people's lives, from petty crime to murder.

"His reputation is one of cutting edge initiative, professionalism, integrity and fairness, with a genuine concern for victims and their families and the highest regard for the health and welfare of his staff. His ability, enthusiasm, commitment and hard work have earned him an enviable reputation among Northumbria Police personnel and the partners with whom he has engaged.

"He has been a first class role model for other detectives at all levels and has made a significant personal contribution to the development of investigative standards in the force. From his early days within the service to his final years as Northumbria's most senior ranking detective he has made the most of every opportunity presented to him.

"His skills and expertise will be a considerable loss to the service, but I know he will make the most of his well deserved retirement and I join with his colleagues in wishing him and his family a very enjoyable retirement."

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