PC Humphreys' account

I joined the special constabulary of Avon and Somerset in April 1997. I had previously unsuccessfully attempted to get into the regular force in 1991 aged 19. My main reason for joining the special constabulary was simply to gain an insight into the regulars and to how the police service as a whole operates. I had always been interested in the police service and had wanted to join since my school days. I had an uncle and a cousin who were already in the regular service.

I decided to work as a special in Frome, my home town for 20 years. My main reason for this was in order to commit as much time as I possibly could to the specials. I wanted to be able to go to the station and be on duty without having to think about travelling. I also knew the local community and a lot of the streets and problem areas.

After an enjoyable weekend training at Portishead Police Headquarters I learnt the very basics of what being a police officer (albeit a special) really meant. Items like basic law issues, the principles of what a police officer does and the history of the service were all discussed. This was quickly followed by training with the ASP baton, handcuffs and CS spray and most importantly when they should be used.

Then it was time to go onto the streets. I started working with my tutor constable who was an experienced regular officer. I was keen and enthusiastic and made sure I became involved in various types of jobs including domestic disputes, sudden deaths and assaults. I also did my fair share of issuing tickets to illegally parked cars.

There were about seven or eight other specials at the station at the time and they were all helpful and supportive of the new member among their ranks. There was a team spirit among all the specials and we had regular meetings. After the initial period of working with my tutor I worked with as many different PCs as I could to experience the many different ways each officer approached situations. I would work, on average, about 30 or 40 hours a month as a special. My wife and children supported me fully.

I remained in the specials for just over a year which included a further three weekends training at Portishead in various topics ranging from the definition of theft to an input on community race relations.To my delight, I was then accepted into the regulars.

I found my time in the special constabulary thoroughly enjoyable and a great experience. The main difference between the special constabulary and the regular service is the level of paperwork. As a special you are not burdened with a mountain of paperwork every time you do something. Also, in the special constabulary you can do as much or as little as you want. You can choose when you work which would be an interesting concept if introduced to the regular service.

After nearly three years in the regular service in Bristol I am now back in Frome for three months working alongside some of the same specials.

Joining the specials was the best thing I have done as it gave me the impetus to join the regular service which is a rewarding and worthwhile job. If I had not joined the specials I would not be where I am today.