Special Inspector Dawson

When I originally joined in 2011, the training was very different and demanded a lot from you as an individual, having since re-joined in 2015 the training is now tailored to us factoring in family and career commitments.

I am lucky enough to lead the Special Constabulary specialist teams; the Rural Task Force, Dog Section, Search and Marine Unit and the specialist officers who support our Counter Terrorism Branch.

 

As a special constable you can specialise in a unit/section and we have 18 specialist officers across all teams. We deal and respond to all policing related incidents across Kent, but play a vital role in supporting the Kent Police Regular Tactical Operations teams.

I have a been employed in my day job for 12 years and really enjoy the buzz. I have always had the aspirations to join the police from a young age, but my career path took me into London and an alternative path. Joining the specials was a no brainier for me as I could get the best of both worlds.

Have you undertaken any specialist training with the Special Constabulary?

Kent police invest a lot of time into the Special Constabulary. Our chief constable and senior leadership teams are advocates of how Kent specials can bolster the front-line and community policing presence. We are equipped with the same skills and training as our regular officer colleagues.

I have been fortunate enough throughout my specialising career to have been trained in various operational elements such as, blue light response driving and initial phase pursuit driving. I was one of five specials nationally to pass the vigorous training and exams required to carry Taser operationally. I am an accredited police drone pilot, and hold a qualification recognised by the Civil Aviation Authority allowing me to use drones for a policing purpose. I continue to receive ongoing training and operational development inputs throughout the year, through face-to-face training sessions or via online development packages, to ensure we are as equipped as our regular officer colleagues.

I can’t discuss in too much detail for obvious reasons, but I was involved in providing police assistance in a high-profile incident in the Medway towns a few years ago. The incident drew lots of media attention due to a young female sadly losing her life. It was at that point I had a newfound respect for all the emergency services and what they face on a daily basis and then having to process it after the event.

Be open-minded, have no expectations of what you will face or deal with as every shift will be totally different. The role will allow you to develop in key areas, you will also develop great transferable skills for your future career in or away from policing, or if you have aspirations to join as a regular, it provides a great insight.