Alex Belfield is a former radio presenter for BBC Radio Leeds who was dismissed for misconduct. He was convicted of stalking charges in September 2022 and imprisoned.

Belfield worked at Mansfield 103.2 FM in the early 2000s. He presented the mid-morning show on BBC Radio Leeds. In 2010 he made lewd comments about weather presenter Keeley Donovan's broadcasts at home that resulted in complaints from listeners. As punishment, Belfield was suspended from the station for a day and strongly reprimanded by BBC bosses.

On 18 June 2021 Belfield was summonsed to appear at Nottingham Magistrates' Court, where he was charged with 12 counts of stalking "involving fear of violence or serious alarm or distress" on 1 July.On 29 July 2021, Belfield appeared at Nottingham Crown Court accused of stalking eight people between November 2012 and March 2021, including BBC staff members Stephanie Hirst and Jeremy Vine.

Belfield was convicted in September 2022 for four of eight stalking charges at Nottingham Crown Court. He was sentenced to five and a half years in prison; before sentencing "he was allowed to deliver a closing speech deriding the case as a 'BBC and police witch-hunt' based on five arrests and 3 invasions of his home, without a warrant and any evidence of any crime, and describing himself as 'the No 1 anti-BBC journalist'". He told the jury "I am offensive... My human right allows me to speak words that are not to everyone's taste". The judge said that while Belfield acknowledged the distress he caused the victims, he showed more concern during the proceedings about being treated unfairly and how the process impacted him (Belfield) personally. A bid for leave to appeal was refused in February 2023.

In May 2024, the Nottinghamshire police detective who had led the stalking investigation into Belfield won a libel case against him. Belfield had falsely accused the detective of being corrupt, lying in court and colluding with the BBC in a witch hunt against him.

Belfield was released from prison in June 2025, after 2 years and 9 months. He will serve the remainder of his sentence on licence.

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"Janet always wanted to be a police officer. Growing up, she would sit beside her uncle, who had been chief constable, listening intently to his tales of the job—stories filled with bravery, camaraderie, and the occasional humour that only those in law enforcement could appreciate. The desire to don the uniform and protect her community coursed through her veins. However, when she turned 18 and applied for the Surrey Police, she faced disappointment as she failed the selection process. Undeterred, she joined the special constabulary in Nottinghamshire, where she learned the ropes of policing, even though the ongoing failures in her applications for the regular service felt like a persistent shadow looming over her aspirations.

It was during a heartfelt conversation with her brother that the spark of hope reignited. He informed her that Sussex Police were seeking recruits. The excitement bubbled up inside her as she envisioned herself wearing the badge she so dearly coveted. In 2003, after rigorous training and determination, she finally passed the fitness test. Her first posting at Brighton was a blend of nostalgia and novelty, where she was immersed in old-school processes—making tea for her colleagues as a rite of passage before stepping into a police car. Each sip of that tea felt like a connection to those stories from her uncle, a small reminder of where she came from and the journey ahead.

Yet, as she transferred to Nottinghamshire, the reality hit hard. The stark contrast between her experiences in Brighton and Nottinghamshire was shocking. The lack of staff and resources forced her into situations where she had to rely solely on her instincts and skills. Unlike Brighton, where support was always a radio call away, here she had to navigate the challenges independently. It was a steep learning curve, but Janet was resolute. With grit, she took her detective exams, transforming her into a competent investigator. Each case was not just a job but a puzzle she was determined to solve—a testament to her dedication.

Despite the challenges, Janet’s transition to Nottinghamshire often felt like a backward step. The outdated practices she encountered were immensely frustrating. While Sussex embraced modern techniques, Nottinghamshire seemed entrenched in the past, making her feel out of place. She often reflected on how different things could be, fuelling her drive to advocate for change in policing methods.

As she tackled high-profile cases that captured public attention, including one notorious suspect who received a staggering 32-year prison sentence , Janet found her true calling. It was a particular case involving stalkers that struck a chord with her. Drawing on her empathy and understanding, she successfully obtained the first non-domestic stalking protection notice in the UK. It was a landmark achievement that made headlines, but she was not just a figurehead; she was deeply involved, reviewing investigations meticulously. Her recommendations led to actionable outcomes that resulted in prosecutions, giving a voice to victims who often felt powerless. Each successful case reinforced Janet’s commitment to ensuring justice, leaving an indelible mark on her career and the community she served.

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Are Orange County Sheriffs the best in Florida? Explore everything you wanted to know about policing in the Sunshine State!

Meet Ross, a passionate professor of criminal justice at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Not only is he dedicated to educating the future leaders of law enforcement, but he also serves as the dean of the College of Innovation and Education, encompassing disciplines like Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, and Police Administration. Ross’s journey into the world of law enforcement began unexpectedly, sparked by a simple yet transformative suggestion from a friend who was a deputy sheriff in Orange County.

"You have to experience it for yourself," she urged, and thus began Ross's adventure. He joined her on a ride-along, filled with excitement and a hint of trepidation. As the patrol car cruised through the vibrant neighborhoods of Orange County, Ross felt a rush of adrenaline each time they responded to a call. He became hooked on the thrill of policing, leading him to undertake an auxiliary deputy training course. However, the dynamics of the precinct—filled with camaraderie, challenges, and community service—only fueled his desire to dive deeper into the badge-wearing world.

Initially feeling unfulfilled in his full-time role, Ross made a pivotal decision to join the Orange County Sheriff's Office as a regular deputy. His journey transformed him from a patrolman into a road policing officer, and eventually, a detective on a specialized stolen vehicle squad. Each day brought a new set of challenges and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the community. While balancing work with his academic aspirations, Ross pursued a doctorate, demonstrating an unyielding commitment to both education and public service. Once he completed this significant milestone, he recognized that a better work-life balance awaited him as a reservist.

When Ross first donned the uniform of the Orange County Sheriff, he was met with the vastness of his jurisdiction—900 square miles filled with urban settings, suburban neighborhoods, and sprawling natural landscapes. This expansive area is patrolled by over 1,600 law enforcement officers, not counting those from individual cities and federal agencies. Ross recalls the sense of responsibility that enveloped him as he realized the sheer scale of policing in Florida. He vividly remembers one late night when he attended a call that involved a large community gathering. The energy was palpable, and he felt honored to be part of a team ensuring the safety of so many.

The complexities of policing in Florida often weigh heavily on the shoulders of officers, especially reservists like Ross, who can perform any role that regular officers tackle, provided they possess the appropriate training. Yet, he acknowledges that the commitment to specialist units can be rigorous and demanding. "If you serve as a reservist for 20 years, you can choose your role," Ross explains, emphasizing the dedication and perseverance required in law enforcement.

Training also plays a crucial role in police work, particularly when it comes to firearms. Ross remarks on the stark contrast between the exposure to firearms in Florida compared to the UK, where he often shares his experiences with students. He recalls the tragic shooting at the Pulse Nightclub on June 12, 2016, where 49 lives were lost, and 53 were injured. It was a stark reminder of the dangers officers face daily. Reserve officers were on the scene, and the gravity of that night shaped their resolve to protect and serve the community.

Beyond the routine patrols and high-stakes situations, Ross highlights the unique opportunities that reservists have to earn while engaging in community events, such as providing support at Disney World.

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