Case studies

Malcolm, Special Superintendent

Malcolm is an accountant for a training organisation and a long-serving Special Constable.

"I joined the Specials in 1977 with a view to joining the regular force. But 25 years on, and having chosen a different career path, I still enjoy serving as a Special. The training we receive now is totally different to when I joined. Gone are the boring lectures on law! These have been replaced by a combination of role-plays, question and answer sessions and detailed pre-reads.

“There is no doubt the knowledge, skills and confidence I have gained by being a Special has greatly assisted me in my day job. Now my responsibility extends to looking after more than 40 Specials, much of my time is spent on admin but I still manage to get out on normal duties, which I still enjoy. Over the years I have been involved in nearly all aspects of police work including searches for missing persons, public order patrols, drug searches as well as duties at local events such as carnivals and race meetings.

“I still get a lot of satisfaction and a sense of achievement from sorting someone's problems or being able to reassure them. The reaction of an elderly person on a Saturday morning as you do foot patrol in your local town still brings out the same feeling of pride it did all those years ago when I first joined.

“If you are thinking of joining, give it a go. You never know what you are capable of and the feeling of camaraderie and team spirit is second to none.”

 

Helen, Special Chief Inspector

Helen is a marketing executive for a legal firm and our highest-ranked female Special.

“I joined Norfolk Specials in 1992 after serving in Cheshire Constabulary for a year. I wanted to join the regulars, but you could only join Cheshire as a cadet in those days and they were not recruiting when I left school, so I became a secretary.

“The Specials has given me a number of opportunities that I would not have had in other circumstances. I have been lucky enough to represent Norfolk in Finland on an exchange programme, with a group of people who offer a youth club facility in a similar way to the SOS bus in Norwich. I even met the Queen when she came to Norwich to present the Maundy Money at Norwich Cathedral!

“As a long-serving Special I have worked at various police stations around Norwich as well as a completing a long attachment to the Vice Squad, which has all been very interesting.

“The training that the constabulary offers is wide-ranging and is often useful in everyday life as well as when on duty. You are equipped and trained to deal with the variety of situations that face you when on duty and it is very satisfying to know that you have helped someone, especially when they have found themselves in a difficult and unusual situation.

“The management training course that I have completed with the Specials has been very useful in my full-time role as a marketing executive within a large accounting firm.

“I would recommend the Special Constabulary to anyone; policing is fascinating, you never see the same thing twice and I have made many good friends over the years.”

 

Liz, Special Constable

Liz is 25 years old, an administrator for a hospital and a probationary Special Constable.

"I became a Norfolk Special in March 2003, having previously been a Special in Cambridge for two years.

“Originally I joined because I was considering a regular career with the police but stayed with the Specials because I enjoyed it so much and felt that I was able to make a positive and valuable contribution. I am really proud of being a Special Constable and my colleagues, both Special and Regular officers, make me feel very valued and supported.

“A particularly proud occasion for me was when we paraded in full dress uniform in front of the Duke of Edinburgh at Sandringham this year.

“What I enjoy the most about being a Special is its unpredictability. At the slightest notice you could be in a situation that demands you drawing upon all your training and everything you have learnt. It is a continuous learning curve.

“The public look to us as members of the constabulary for guidance, quick thinking in heated or volatile situations, and reassurance. After each duty, however enjoyable or challenging it may have been, I always go home or into work the next day with a real sense of pride in what I have achieved both for myself and for others.

“It is something I will never regret doing and would highly recommend it to anyone thinking of joining.”

 

Patrick, Special Sergeant

Patrick is 39 years old and a contracts manager for a housing group.

"I joined the Specials seven years ago and it was probably about the same amount of time before I actually handed in my application form! I simply didn't know enough about it and how I regret the lost time.

“Since joining I have been through an enormous amount of training to help me in my role, not only in actual policing matters but in character building as well and I now feel part of a well-respected team.

“I joined so that I could make a difference to my community and have found that I can indeed really make a difference, so if you're thinking of joining then send in your application now rather than delay it and regret not joining earlier."

 

If you would like any further information about the role of a Police Special, please contact Sue Goode by telephoning 101 and asking for the Special Constabulary or by emailing stepspecials@norfolk.pnn.police.uk or check out the Police Could You website.