Do you feel special? – these two are from over the border in Suffolk – photo from Suffolk Constabulary

 

Volunteers who want to make a difference in their local area are being encouraged to join the ranks of Norfolk’s Special Constabulary.

The force is on the look-out for committed individuals, keen to experience the world of policing while working in the heart of their community supporting regular officers in tackling local issues.

A promotional video has been launched on the force’s website and social media channels, featuring serving Special Constables carrying out duties across the county.

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Sanford said: “Special Constables are an integral part of our policing team and whatever your motivation, being part of the wider policing family is exciting, challenging and rewarding.

“We’re extremely proud of the team we have in Norfolk and the hours they dedicate to support local policing. We would interested in hearing anyone who may be keen to gain new skills or give something back to their community.”

A number of recruitment information events will be taking place across the county over the coming weeks. Confirmed dates are:
· Wednesday 10 October – Gorleston Pavilion Theatre, 7.30pm
· Monday 22 October – Yarmouth Library, Tolhouse Street, 7.30pm
· Tuesday 23 October – Operation and Communication Centre, Wymondham 6.45pm

The county currently has some 193 Special Constables, who regularly give up their spare time to assist regular police colleagues in the fight against crime. In addition 38 Specials are currently in the recruitment process.

The role of a Special Constable includes providing high visibility patrols and helping to police major incidents and events. They also offer vital links in the partnership between the police service and the public.

During the whole of 2017 Norfolk’s Specials clocked up some 62,369 hours on duty.

The campaign, which uses the hashtag #BecauseYouCan, features Special Sergeant Jason Crisp.

Jason, a 46-year-old Post Office worker, has been a Special for more than two years primarily volunteering in the Wymondham and South Norfolk area and was motivated to sign-up to make difference, give something back to the community and primarily to help others in times of need.

He said: “No two duties are the same. I regularly face challenging situations on every shift and you have to deal with each job differently. I pride myself being able to keep situations calm and stable, especially as many incidents we attend can involve heated situations.

“Yes it’s challenging; being late off an eight hour shift with no pay but it’s exceptionally rewarding and I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

Jason recalled one incident where officers had been called regarding concerns for the safety of a man. The man had attempted to take his own life and refused to go to hospital, he was angry and aggressive and in need of help.

Jason said: “I sat on the floor just talking and reassuring him there was always help and support. After some time he agreed to go to hospital and I promised to travel with him, reassuring him everything would be ok. I was two hours late of shift but that didn’t matter; I knew deep down I had made a difference in that man’s life.

Special Chief Officer Darren Taylor said: “It takes huge dedication to put on the police uniform as a volunteer, however I can assure those that are interested will develop a wealth of transferable skills and experience a journey unique to the policing family.”

Anyone interested in becoming a Special can download an application form from the Constabulary’s website www.norfolk.police.uk/specials

If you would like to attend one of the information events there is no need to book, simply turn up for the stated time.

You can view/download the video here: https://vimeo.com/290863144