With a background in graphic design, Hazel has always had a zest for the outdoors. She first  became a traffic warden in Merseyside, but had always wanted to join the Police Service. Her police career began with the Met Police where her height of 5ft 4in was allowed, unlike at home at the time. After seven years in the capital, Hazel moved back north for family reasons and served 23 years in North Wales Police, the last 13 years of which were spent working in crime prevention, community safety and in partnership with Secured by Design.

Hazel was awarded an MBE for services to policing for her beat officer and community role, but also for raising thousands of pounds for cancer charities after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has since made a full recovery.