STANDING at just 4ft 10in, PC Sue Day of Swindon Police thinks her height is a major asset when dealing with distressed children.

The 37-year-old, who is part of Swindon’s response team, has been named Britain’s smallest police officer.

I’ve gone to jobs and because of my height people have stepped back and they’ve given me respect PC Sue Day

I’ve gone to jobs and because of my height people have stepped back and they’ve given me respect PC Sue Day

I’ve gone to jobs and because of my height people have stepped back and they’ve given me respect PC Sue Day

I’ve gone to jobs and because of my height people have stepped back and they’ve given me respect PC Sue Day

I’ve gone to jobs and because of my height people have stepped back and they’ve given me respect PC Sue Day

I’ve gone to jobs and because of my height people have stepped back and they’ve given me respect PC Sue Day

I’ve gone to jobs and because of my height people have stepped back and they’ve given me respect PC Sue Day

I’ve gone to jobs and because of my height people have stepped back and they’ve given me respect PC Sue Day

I’ve gone to jobs and because of my height people have stepped back and they’ve given me respect PC Sue Day

I’ve gone to jobs and because of my height people have stepped back and they’ve given me respect PC Sue Day

I’ve gone to jobs and because of my height people have stepped back and they’ve given me respect PC Sue Day

I’ve gone to jobs and because of my height people have stepped back and they’ve given me respect PC Sue Day

I’ve gone to jobs and because of my height people have stepped back and they’ve given me respect PC Sue Day

I’ve gone to jobs and because of my height people have stepped back and they’ve given me respect PC Sue Day

I’ve gone to jobs and because of my height people have stepped back and they’ve given me respect PC Sue Day

Stationed at Gablecross Police Station, the officer is so small her colleagues nicknamed her laptop, as she’s a mini PC.

“My height has helped when dealing with children,” PC Day told the Adver.

“It has been a definite factor that they’ve come across to me better and responded to me. I’m sure it was because I was small and they didn’t see me as a threat.

“Also I’ve patrolled the town centre on a Friday and Saturday night. Some may have had a few too many to drink and got a bit rowdy and again I’ve walked into the middle, pulled people to the side, stopped and talked to them and defused it that way.”

PC Day said she has never found a problem with her height.

“At the moment it’s an assist,” she said. “I’ve gone to jobs and because of my height people have stepped back and they’ve given me respect.

“A lot of people think I’m quite gutsy, getting out there and doing the job I’m doing. I don’t even consider my height to be honest. I’m equal to all my other colleagues.

“I do believe my height stops people in their tracks. I’ve come across people who are known to the police, but again they’ve stopped and they may have a little joke but that’s fine as that just calms the situation.”

PC Day formerly had a career in property management but had always been interested in becoming a police officer.

She said: “I was aware in the early days there were height restrictions, so never really thought about it.

“But when I became single and there was just me it all just fitted in. Wiltshire Police started recruiting and I applied.”

Most police forces in Britain required female recruits to be at least 5ft 4ins until the last decade, but the 1999 MacPherson report ruled the height restriction was seen to discriminate.

PC Day joined the police in September 2008. She did her initial training at Devizes HQ and joined team response in May 2009.