A Very Special Duo

Some might say the couple lead a double life. Others say they couldn't do it themselves. By day the pair work as a performance officer and checkout supervisor but at night and weekends they don dark clothing and walk the streets of Hereford on the lookout for wrong-doers and waiting for "the call", ensuring that the local citizens remain safe and secure.

No, we're not talking about Batman and Batwoman but Chris and Kate Smith, two members of West Mercia's Special Constabulary.

As Herefordshire Division launches its latest recruitment drive for the Special Constabulary we take a look at this husband and wife duo to see why they joined. Chris and Kate are based in Hereford covering the North Wye sector and regularly take to the streets to assist their regular police colleagues in the challenging and rewarding task of policing the city and its environs.

Working full-time is challenging enough so why did they go that extra mile and take on an unpaid activity that takes up a lot of their valuable spare time?

"For me there was a variety of reasons," said Chris. "My main reason was wanting to make a difference in my community. I wanted to do something really rewarding and was interested in joining the police. I thought joining the Specials was a great way of finding out what life in the police was like without actually committing myself to a new career. I now find I can combine and enjoy both and don't feel the need to join the Regulars at this stage."

"Police work is like no other job. When you go in for duty, you have no idea what might present itself on that shift. It might be rather quiet, it could be dangerous. No two shifts are the same. What can be said is it's very rewarding."

These thoughts are echoed by wife, Kate, who said, "Being in the Specials is really different from my main job and offers an experience that you cannot buy (to quote a Worcester colleague). You have to display a range of skills when on duty, which you may not use in your normal job - as a police officer you have to answer the call and step up to the mark. You need to display strength, courage and determination when situations get volatile or dangerous and at other times show compassion, empathy and care. When things go badly wrong, it's normally the police that the public turn to first."

Chris is 27 years old and joined the Specials in 2003 and was promoted to Section Officer in 2007. Kate, 22 years, joined in 2005 and it was through being in the Specials that they met. They are both expected to volunteer 16 hours per month but like many colleagues regularly exceed that.

"Our roles are very varied," said Chris "and jobs include taking statements, issuing fixed penalty tickets, assisting with events and road policing initiatives, responding to public order situations and high-visibility patrol of anti-social behaviour hotspots".

Kate added, "We really enjoy being in the Specials. You really do see every aspect of life. The camaraderie is great and we really feel part of a respected and professional team. If anyone is looking for something different, challenging and rewarding, I would heartily recommend joining West Mercia's Special Constabulary."

If you are interested in joining the Police and want to get a taste of what police work is like, consider the Special Constabulary. If you want to fill part of your life with an interesting and exciting experience, the Special Constabulary could be for you.

For more information, contact the Special Constabulary Recruitment Hotline on 01562 826027 or go to www.westmercia.police.uk and click on the Recruitment and Special Constabulary buttons.