Specials Superintendent Sidney Seddon
Based in West division | Joined Kent Police in 1992
I will typically work 60
hours per month as a Specials Superintendent. Because of my rank, my role is
different to other Specials. Typically I attend meetings at HQ to discuss
strategic work and update the Specials chief officer team on local issues. I am
in regular contact with my chief officer co-ordinator to organise officer
duties, discuss staffing issues and local policing priorities.
I also get out on patrol at
least once a month, either with the Roads Policing Unit, Marine Unit or
neighbourhood officers. This month I’ll be going out with the Roads Policing
Unit as well as attending senior manager meetings and training sessions.
Previously I have been
involved in setting up a Special Constables section in the Marine Unit and this
is now being mirrored in other specialist units. I have also been involved in
bringing the promotion process for Specials up to date.
During the summer, I worked
with my co-ordinator to set up multi-agency traffic operations with officers in
the west of the county.
I was a zoo keeper for 10
years before I decided I wanted to join the police service. However, after failing
the selection, I became a nurse for several years before moving into my current
role as a prison officer.
Being
a Special is a very valuable part of my life. For me, the best thing about
being part of the Special Constabulary is the variety and diversity of work on offer.
When I first joined, training was very basic and you learned largely while out
and about.
Thinking of volunteering?
If you’re thinking of joining, you need to have a very understanding family. When you get the bug for police work, rarely does it go and before you know it, you’re working every spare hour you can. You have to be able to balance your time. You need to be honest, reliable, flexible and patient, and very importantly be able to communicate. You can find out more about how to join Kent Police as a Special Constable on our website at www.kent.police.uk/specials
If you’re thinking of joining, you need to have a very understanding family. When you get the bug for police work, rarely does it go and before you know it, you’re working every spare hour you can. You have to be able to balance your time. You need to be honest, reliable, flexible and patient, and very importantly be able to communicate. You can find out more about how to join Kent Police as a Special Constable on our website at www.kent.police.uk/specials
