SSgt Rachel Kinley

Rank: Special Sergeant
Day Job Title:
Special Since:

What made you decide to join the Special Constabulary?
My husband is a police officer, so I’d heard the odd tale or two about what his job involved and it sounded both exciting and worthwhile. Due to his shifts there were many evenings and weekends where I had spare time on my hands, so he suggested I try the Special Constabulary to see for myself what the job involves.

How do you find the balance between working as a special constable in line with your current employment?
The role of a special is very flexible - you get to choose the hours to suit yourself, so providing you commit to the monthly minimum of 16 hours, they can be worked to suit your current employment and around family/home commitments.

Do you feel supported by the Constabulary since joining as a special constable?
Yes. Being part of a large organisation means there’s always somebody to help and support you, 24/7. Teamwork is the backbone of what we do, and how we do it, so you’re never alone with a problem.

What tasks would you undertake during a shift as a special constable?
As a Special Sergeant part of my role is to guide and support the officers in my team, with their learning and development, and also in more of a pastoral sense, if they have experienced a difficult or challenging job. I drive the large police vans, so a team of us can deploy together and police events and the night time economy. I go to domestic incidents, assaults, thefts and road traffic collisions to name but a few.
I am also enhanced search trained, which leads to me being involved in searches for missing people and in detailed building searches for missing or hidden items.

What do you enjoy most about working within the Special Constabulary?
Working as part of a dedicated, committed team. Also helping victims of crime and arresting people who have broken the law.

What do you find most rewarding from your role as a special constable?
Attending to a victim in their hour of need and being part of the process of helping that person to move forward from whatever it is that has happen to them.

Would someone need prior experience in another field in order to be part of the Special Constabulary?
Life experience is the best experience in my opinion! You’ve got to be able to communicate with people from all walks of life and all different backgrounds, so any life experience you have that contributes to that will help massively.

What would say to someone considering joining the Special Constabulary?
The role does require commitment and consistency but providing you are willing to put in the time and the effort, give it a go, as you’ll learn so much about yourself by doing it. The challenges you will face are second to none but so very worthwhile.