In Their Words - Case Studies

Don't just take our word for it that becoming a special is a rewarding and interesting way to volunteer your time - hear directly from the officers themselves.

Martin Stephenson

Martin lives in a small village outside Shrewsbury. As well as running his own project management consultancy firm, he is a special constable and volunteers around 6-8 hours per week.

After 20 years as a brewery project manager, Martin left full-time employment and, with some spare time on his hands, wanted to do something interesting and worthwhile. Having always been interested in police work, Martin joined the Special Constabulary and after completing his training, commenced duty in November 2006.

Based in Monkmoor (Shrewsbury), Martin is part of the town centre team and has the same powers as the regular officers that he works alongside. His duties include taking statements, issuing fixed penalty notices, attending anti-social behaviour and public order situations and assisting with road policing operations.

“I’m very enthusiastic about my role and anyone who knows me will have heard me use the phrase ‘you couldn’t pay for this type of experience’. I enjoy the excitement of never knowing what’s going to happen next and I take great satisfaction from knowing that I am contributing to the safety of my community.

“I get a lot out of being a special because I try to get involved as much as possible and that is clearly appreciated.

“Some situations are very demanding and require every bit of tact and confidence that you have. Other officers are always willing to help and their guidance and experience is invaluable.”

Chris and Kate Smith

Chris and Kate are based in Hereford, covering the North Wye area and frequently assist their regular police colleagues in the challenging and rewarding task of patrolling the city and its environs.

Chris joined the specials in 2003 and was promoted to section officer in 2007 and divisional officer in 2008. Kate joined in 2005 and it was through being specials that they met. They are both expected to volunteer 16 hours per month but like many colleagues regularly exceed that.

Working full-time is challenging enough for the husband-and-wife duo, but both had no hesitation in becoming a special.

"I wanted to do something really rewarding and was interested in joining the police," explains Chris. "I thought joining the specials was a great way of finding what life if the police was like, without actually committing myself to a new career. I now find that I can combine and enjoy both and don't feel the need to join the regulars at this stage.

"Police work is like no other job.  When you report for duty you have no idea what might present itself on that shift. It might be rather quiet, or it could be dangerous; no two shifts are the same. What can be said is that it's very rewarding."

These thoughts are echoed by Kate, who says: "Being in the specials is really different from my main job and offers an experience that you cannot buy. You have to display a range of skills when on duty which you may not use in your normal job - as a police officer you have answer the call and step up to the mark. You need to display strength, courage and determination when situations get volatile or dangerous and at other times show compassion, empathy and care.

"We really enjoy being in the specials. You really do see every aspect of life. The camaraderie is great and we really feel part of a respected and professional team. If anyone is looking for something different, challenging and rewarding, I would heartily recommend joining West Mercia's Special Constabulary.