Special Constabulary

Special Constabulary | Avon and Somerset Police

Many years ago I was working as an Early Years Leader in a village pre-school. We had a good relationship with our Neighbourhood Beat Team, and our PCSO was especially good at visiting the pre-school regularly. I was interested in learning what other aspects there were to his role, and so he suggested I join him on Avon and Somerset’s Ride-Along Scheme.

I did so, and when he came to collect me, he was accompanied by another police officer. During the course of the shift, I discovered that the police officer was in fact a volunteer Special Constable, something I had never come across before. I was so fascinated, I basically interrogated the poor officer about her role, and by the time I was taken back home, I knew that it was something that I would like to do. The variety of challenges, the unpredictable nature of the role and the huge difference a Special Constable makes in our community was exciting to me. However, the timing wasn’t quite right for me.

About 5 years later, my life had changed – I was doing a different job which was adversely affected by the recession, my kids had grown up and so weren’t taking up much of my time, and, although I had a lovely home life, friends etc. I had time for some personal reflection and realised I wanted a new direction, a new sense of worth where I could contribute to our community, give something back and make a difference. When a recruitment advert popped up on social media about applying to be a Special, it felt as if it was meant to be, and so I applied .Happily I passed through the various elements of the recruitment process and felt really supported by the recruitment team from the beginning and by the tutors all the way through my initial training.

There is so much to love about the role – This sense of belonging to the “Police family” was evident right from the start of my training when I received huge encouragement and congratulations on passing my fitness test and that this encouragement and recognition became a very welcome everyday culture.

Knowing that there are people that really do have my back, and would drop everything to come to my aid if I needed it, is like nothing else I’ve ever experienced in any previous role. Then there are the situations that I have been in, or witnessed, the people in crisis that I have had the opportunity to help, and other incidents that I would have never experienced in my life otherwise. I have also been involved in lots of community and Police events and activities that I would never have dreamed that I would have the opportunity to experience. As a new recruit I was placed with an experienced tutor who was a regular police officer, offering me direct support towards becoming an independent Special Constable. Continued next page.

My proudest moment came when I was awarded Special Constable of the Year for my District as a result of my efforts to locate all of the victims of shop theft at a local event following an arrest and seizure of many suspected stolen items. Many stall holders would have been out of pocket had I not identified them and returned their items to them, and, with them largely being small independent traders, they were very appreciative. I work part time looking after horses and although my life is full, I find it easy to fit in at least two shifts each month with my team. I have also found that the skills that I have learned as a result of my Police work, and my line management experience (I am a Special Sergeant, responsible for a small team of Special Constables), means that, should I return to paid employment, my CV is likely to stand out nicely!

I have developed many skills, Lifesaving first aid, managerial experience and speaking to others as a direct result of being a Special. My confidence has improved, as has my understanding and patience (as my family will attest!). Furthermore, I have discovered that I have a talent for calming situations down, and for engaging particularly well with individuals that are suffering from mental health issues. One incident that stands out is when, having spent a significant time in A&E chatting with a lady that I had detained under S136 of the Mental Health Act, and who had taken an overdose, she thanked me for helping her. As Special Constables we don’t look for thanks but when it is given it is warmly received. I’d advise anyone to go for joining the Specials if interested because if you have the qualities they need they will be there for you all the way and will do everything they can to promote your application and ultimately your successful recruitment. And I haven’t looked back!

Find out more about the role of a Special Constable and the difference you could make to your community: Special Constabulary | Avon and Somerset Police

Your garden in April

Spring should be well under way this month with daffodils in full flow, their bright flowers enough to cheer up any day. Blossom trees will be blooming and fresh growth will be appearing on plants everywhere. “April showers’ are common but don’t be deceived by sudden burst of rainfall – you may need to start watering plants more regularly on dry, bright and windy days. With longer days and stronger sunshine growing conditions are continually improving and the warmer weather will give us all the opportunity to get busy in our gardens.

Support climbers

Climbing plants should be growing rapidly now, so will need ample support for new growth. Extend or replace trellis as necessary or add more wire to archers and tripods.

New shoots will need to be gently encouraged sideways as they grow. This will send vital growth hormones doing the length of the shoot rather than just to the tip and so will encourage flowering all over the plant.

Sow hardy annuals

Hardy annuals are plants that can be sown from seed in the open ground. Get them off to an early start by sowing in pots or modules. Modular trays are also handy for sowing summer bedding plants such as marigolds, lobelia and petunias. Label each seed tray and once they are growing put them outside when the weather is warm day and night.

Plant of the month Rhododendron

The rest of the garden will also be growing well now, so if you have been putting off carrying out any major pruning then now is the time to bite the bullet and get it done. Trees, shrubs and hedges should be cut back now before birds begin to nest.

Care for your lawn

The lawn will need regular mowing from now until autumn. Get some maintenance carried out to your lawn mower to ensure it stays in good running order – at the very least your mower blades should newly sharpened ready for regular use. Keep the edges of the lawn tidy after moving with a sharp pair of shears or a lawn edger. Don’t forget to give the lawn a spring feed after mowing if you haven’t got around to doing it yet. If a more drastic approach is needed to spruce up your lawn, sowing seeds for new lawns or over seeding dead patches can be carried out from midApril onwards.

Why should you plant them?

Ancient Greek meaning “Rose tree’ the rhododendron family includes azaleas. These stunning shrubs flower in all sorts of vibrant colours and can help brighten those difficult dark spots in your garden. Rhododendrons are grown for their spectacular flowers usually borne in spring, although some – the deciduous rhododendron or azaleas have good autumn colour.

How should you plant them?

In the wild rhododendrons are woodland plants, so they prefer dappled sunshine and can manage well in shade. They like plenty of water however will not do well in boggy or badly draining soil, so drainage is key. Plant in autumn or spring and use ericaceous compost.