DC Terry Perkins   played by Bruce Byron

First appearance    # 165 (12/11/03)

After transferring from Barton Street, DC Terry Perkins arrived at Sun Hill as the SORO (Sex Offender Register Officer). It's certainly hard-going but it's safe to say Terry relishes every minute he's on the job. He's very good at it and uses his innate ability to work people out to great effect in his police work as well as with his colleagues. Terry is a firm advocate of the PPU (Public Protection Unit) strategy although he's realistic about its limitations. His view is that if there are going to be serious offenders living on his patch he'd rather know where they are and let them know he will be there to keep an eye on them.

Terry's dealt with many serious offenders yet has managed to retain an optimism and easy-going charm which surprises some; he learnt a long time ago not to take things personally. He's a blokey bloke with a no nonsense attitude, the sort you'd like to have behind you if things kicked off. And while it might take a lot to rile him, once he loses his temper, he really blows - and then he's fine again. He doesn't sulk or hold grudges but you wouldn't want to make him angry. Terry's normally prepared to go with the flow and let his actions do the talking, but if he thinks someone's got a problem with him he's not too frightened to challenge them - if he thinks they're worth it. Most of the time he'll let people dig their own graves and will carry on regardless. He's not really bothered about what people think and tends to take the sting out of other people's stress and anger by cracking a joke.

Terry comes from a fairly rough and ready family and in his teens was part of the local football hooligan scene, before deciding to go on the straight and narrow. We soon discovered that this change of heart was in part due to the sexual abuse Terry suffered at the hands of a family friend at the tender age of 9 years old. It goes a lot towards explaining the grit determinism he displays whilst on the job. Terry is passionate about football and is an avid Millwall supporter. He still plays the odd Sunday game, he likes the camaraderie and the pints after the match, he's not so keen on running about after the ball but is tough in the tackle…