SC Matthew Sims
Kent Police Special Constabulary
Hi, I’m
Matt and I’ve been a Special for eight years now.
I joined
in 2006 when I was 25, after I saw that Kent Police were advertising. I had
always wanted to become a police officer but my career had taken a different
path. I knew I didn’t want to change jobs completely so becoming a Special in
my spare time could give me the both of best worlds.
I had a
think about it, found out exactly what it entailed and thought, let’s give it a
try.
My
application was successful and I began my training. It was daunting at first,
with so much to learn but I was supported along the way. The trainers were
excellent and really worked with us all to adapt things and make sure we kept
up with the schedule. The fitness and safety training was hard work but always
fun with your team around you.
So, here
I am, eight years later and I wouldn’t change it. Putting on my uniform and
hitting the street gives me a real sense of worth. It allows me to make a
difference, to give something back and that is still the case today as it was
all that time ago when I first started.
Becoming
a special has helped me increase my skills professionally but it has helped me personally too. It
has made me truly appreciate my family and what I have a lot more, as you see
first-hand how it can be taken away so quickly. It’s also increased my
confidence leaps and bounds, not to mention the impact the people I’ve met
along the way have had.
I had the
chance to work within the sexual exploitation team recently and that was a real
eye-opener. Here I could make even more of a difference and gain valuable
experience in supporting victims and communities which I’ve really enjoyed.
I’m about
to start working with other regular officers as part of Kent Police’s Rural Team
which I’m really looking forward to. After my time in the sexual exploitation
team I wanted a new challenge, one of the perks of being a Special, and
hopefully it’ll be a good one.
If you
are reading this and considering becoming a Special, go and take a look at the
information on the Kent Police website. You’ve
got this far so there’s no harm in looking right? : )
If you’re
worried about joining because you have kids; I have one myself, a five year old
who was born three years into my service and we’ve been able to make it work
around us. You might be worried that your current employer may not support you,
but have you asked? When I approached my employer they were great; the police
will even speak to them directly to give guidance and support if they need it.
You may
even be thinking that this just isn’t for you but if you really want to make a
difference, I cannot stress how fulfilling a role being a Special Constable is.
I honestly don’t believe there is another job that you can volunteer as and
make such a positive and constant difference to people’s lives, including your
own.
Thanks
for reading everyone, hope you’ve enjoyed it.
Tomorrow
one of my colleagues will be writing another blog so keep a look out on twitter and Facebook.
Good luck
if you’re applying!
Matt
No comments:
Post a Comment