SInsp Matt Newton

Rank: Special Inspector
Day Job Title: AI Technical Leader, EMEA
Special Since: 4th December, 2021, Operational since March 2022

What made you decide to join the Special Constabulary?
It’s something that I’d been wanting to do for a long time, and I’ve always been interested in and valued the work that the police do. I wanted to be able to use my day job / real life experience and skills and bring it to what I could do as a special constable. I also wanted to learn different skills from the role, working alongside other specials and regular officers.
I saw the link on social media and applied – and the rest, as they say, is history…

How do you find the balance between working as a special in line with your current employment?
I find it works really well. I choose the shifts that I can work and that won’t interfere with my day job. My family are also really supportive about me giving up my free time to do this.

Do you feel supported by the Constabulary since joining as a special constable?
Absolutely, yes. It’s amazing how quickly you can get to know people. Everyone’s been really helpful and supportive, both from the Special Constabulary and from colleagues across the force. Everyone has the same goal and is more than happy to help anyone where needed.

What tasks would you undertake during a shift as a special constable?
It varies, it could be going to respond to incidents when working on response policing, or working on specific operations, speed enforcement, traffic operations and night time economy in the town centre. No two shifts are ever the same and we don’t always know what will come up, but we know that we’re properly trained and prepared to deal with it.

What do you enjoy most about working within the Special Constabulary?
I like the variety of the incidents that we attend and the operations that we do, as well as the training that is provided. But also, I really enjoy being part of a wider group, working with the public and helping to keep them safe.

What do you find most rewarding from your role as a special?
Most rewarding is when you attend an incident or an operation and you know that you’ve helped to make a difference to a person or a group of people. Sometimes it’s the simplest of things that can make a difference, and it’s through combining life experiences outside of a policing role and the training provided by the Constabulary, plus the support of the wider team that all contributes to making this happen.

Would someone need prior experience in another field in order to be part of the Special Constabulary?
Not at all, no. Everything that you need to know is taught in training and in partnership with other officers and specials - plus this builds on your own life experiences, too. I don’t have a policing background (unless years of watching The Bill on TV counts!)

What would you say to someone considering joining the Special Constabulary?
What are you waiting for? If you’re reading this, you’re probably interested. Apply now!