Specials (Police)

[MrsJBaptiste]

Is anyone here a Special Constable in the police?

I don't know whether I'm having a mid-life crisis (!) but it's something I really think I could do. We teach Policing at the University where I work and having spoken at length to various tutors, it's the first thing I've been 'really' interested in for a long time.

However I'm 47. They say this isn't an issue but really? I hate to admit it but that is getting on a bit 😕 or is it???

If Penny Lancaster can do it so can you.

I did 10 years from 25 to 35.

A while back now. Good fun at times. Well out of comfort zone also!

I've worked with many specials and your age is fairly irrelevant!

The main factor in success as a special is 1) how good you are talking to different people in different situations, conflict management, and 2) being committed, but not feeling you had to give it your whole life.
One guy used to come every Fri and Sat night, he used to love it but was young and a little over zealous. Another man only came every now and then and it almost was harder working with him because he needed a lot of coaching and reminding.

Your fitness levels are also tested so you have to be fit to a relatively low level.

There a lots of positives to it, you'll get a lot of flak but just ignore the shit and focus on the good you are doing.

Do you know anyone in your local force? Could you ask to go on a ride along? You could ask your local Special team for more information and see if they would let you come and speak to them and see what they do.

Good luck, I hope you give it a go. (Worst case scenario you hate it and you can just drop out.)

I know a woman in her 50’s who took early retirement and joined up.

Ooooh, not the negative comments I was expecting!

I'll probably be a year or so older if I do go for it as both kids will have just about flown the nest but am pretty fit and run/spin 3-4 times a week.

The lengthy training does sound daunting but like you say, what's the worst that can happen - I absolutely hate it, can't cope and leave (although that really would be worst case scenario)

Definitely more food for thought... 🤔

@MrsJBaptiste - police forces offer that you can spend a shift with officers. It's called being a lay observer.
Here's a link to my local force - it'll be worth going out and seeing what you might be dealing with. It costs each force a fair amount to train up Specials so worth researching before committing - good luck!

Lay observer

Thanks! @Magic0Magic