Special Constable FOWLER
How long have you been a Special Constable?
2 years
What was the reaction of your friends when you joined?
Very surprised but supportive and a change from my usual use of my spare time.
What benefit has being a Special been to you in your work place?
It has given me improved confidence, and I think I am more organised overall.
Has there been anything you have done which has surprised you?
It has surprised me that Specials are so involved with public order and routine policing as well as helping with public events and dealing with the daily concerns of the community.
Which aspect of policing do you enjoy the most?
That the nature of policing brings along the unexpected - not everything can be planned for, so it challenges me to be able to quickly make decisions.
Three words to sum up being a Special
Challenging. Fulfilling. Exciting.
Special Constable POLYDORE
How did you first hear about the Special Constabulary?
On the Police "Could You" website.
What did you enjoy about your initial training?
Learning about Police powers, roles and responsibilities. I enjoyed the Diversity training. It was very interesting, and really made me think.
Would you say you have learnt lots about policing as a Special?
Yes. It has given me a fantastic insight into the work of the Police in Skegness and Lincolnshire. I did not realise how much knowledge officers need, and I did not appreciate how much work officers have to do.
Which aspect of your role is the most challenging?
Trying to relate to people in situations I have not personally experienced before, and trying to appreciate the situation from their point of view.
Do you feel part of a team?
Definitely. All the regulars are very accepting of me, and always go out of their way to help me.
How do members of the public relate to you?
They react to me exactly as they do to a regular officer. Many people do not realise that I am a Special, but when they do, they are always interested in what being a Special involves.
Special Constable SWART
Did it take you long to make the decision to apply to become a Special Constable?
I wanted to do this for a long time, and so when I knew they were recruiting I applied.
What was your first job on duty?
It was a Saturday night, and it was an episode of domestic abuse. Both parties were well in drink, and this exacerbated what was already a difficult situation in their lives.
Which aspect of your role is the most rewarding?
Getting a response as a result of the work I do - being recognised for doing a good job.
Do you feel the public react differently to you as a Special Constable than if you were a regular officer?
Some do, but most people see us as no different to our regular colleagues.
How did your friends react when they learnt you were becoming a Special Constable?
They treated me with respect; they could not believe I was going to do the job for free.
Special Constable ABRAHAMS
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I joined at the age of twenty-one, I am a student, and have been a Special Constable for twelve months.
Which training do you remember the most?
The most useful parts for me were First Aid, Diversity and Personal Safety Training. I have enjoyed putting all of my training into practice, including arresting and dealing with drugs issues.
When did you make your first arrest?
This was on my second tour of duty.
Which life skills have you learnt or developed?
Communication skills are key, particularly as you deal with so many people. Being a Special has been a real confidence booster, and you gain a sense of achievement when, for example, you find a vulnerable missing person.
What has been your most unexpected moment?
When looking for the missing person, I visited a flat, and came across a cannabis factory.
What is the best thing about being a Special Constable?
The sense of achievement, and helping society. I very much enjoy making a difference, and giving something back. I have made some very good friends, as there is a good social aspect to being a Special.
A few further comments from existing Specials
Special Constable RUSSELL
Special Constable RUSSELL joined the service four years ago. The Police service had always interested him, and he joined the Specials to gain an insight prior to making application to become a regular officer.
Having joined the Specials he decided to pursue a separate career and remain as a Special.
Special Constable RUSSELL works as a Global Operations Hub Manager in the international shipping industry. "The skills I have developed as a Special Constable help me tremendously in my own work", Special Constable RUSSELL says. "I believe that being a Special has assisted me in my own career to management level, as I have increased my abilities to work with diplomacy. I have become a better communicator, and have greater self confidence through my Police work."
His 'face your own fear' moment was when he had to deal with a group of escaped horses getting dangerously near the highway. "I really don't like horses, but my colleague had gone to search for the owner, so I just had to get on with it."
When asked why he felt others should become a Special Constable, he replied, "You will develop as a person, find out about real Police work, and gain real satisfaction while serving others."
Specials Sergeant BUTT
During the day Specials Sergeant BUTT works as an engineer for a specialist company, servicing, repairing and commissioning road-making machines.
Specials Sergeant BUTT joined the Special Constabulary in 1996, and was promoted to Sector Officer (now Specials Sergeant) in 2002.
On why he joined the Special Constabulary Specials Sergeant BUTT says:
"I had seen Police officers doing a variety of jobs in the Louth town and area. At the time I applied there was a bit of a public order problem in the town, and I thought I should do my bit to help them. To me, as an onlooker, it always seemed that the officers were well out numbered by those fighting."
Alan has always been based at Louth Police Station, and as a supervisor assists in the policing of the area, ensuring Special Constabulary officers can be fully utilised in meeting the many and varied demands placed upon them.
Specials Sergeant BUTT particularly enjoys rural policing. Living as he does in a close knit village community means that he is seen as the local face of the Police Service. Information is passed to him that is important in building an understanding of the community's needs, fears and expectations.
Specials Sergeant BUTT regularly brings his local knowledge to his Specials service. Once he apprehended two car thieves who had made off from the car they had just burnt out by knowing the local fields and farm lanes system.
One of Specials Sergeant BUTT's major yearly commitments is the organising of the roads system for the "Superbike" meeting at the local Cadwell Park Racing Circuit, where around 35,000 motorcycle racing fans access and egress through just two gates. The knowledge Alan brings from his own job of highways compliant signage and regulations helps greatly with the smooth running of this policing operation.
The flexible opportunity to perform duty, Specials Sergeant BUTT feels, is a good part of being a Special. "Policing happens twenty four hours a day, and so for example shift workers, or those with varying family commitments, are able to give their time accordingly. Everyone in the Specials is from a wide variety of backgrounds. They bring their skills with them to their Specials service."
