Meet Gareth - a new Special Constable

Meet Gareth, a 61-year-old Property Project Manager at Howdens.

Gareth is one of five people currently going through our police training to become a Special Constable.

In his day job, he is responsible for refits and openings of new and existing depots in the Southeast of England.

However, Gareth decided during lockdown that he wanted to be doing something that could help his community.

He said: “Since I was 16-years-old, I had always wanted to join the Met as a cadet, but was talked out of it by my parents who were concerned for my safety. When COVID hit and we were in lockdown, I realised that I could be doing something other than sitting down at home. I started to investigate the Special Constabulary and once I discovered that age wasn’t a barrier, I set myself a challenge to get fit and apply. I chose Hertfordshire Constabulary as I wanted to make a difference where I live.”

Speaking about his experience of the training, Gareth said: “I’m about half way through the training, which involves me giving up most weekends and one evening a week, on top of my normal job. As a cohort, there’s a good mix of different ages and backgrounds, and we have all bonded really well. We help each other with revision and encouragement.

“The most challenging thing for me has been going back to the classroom after 45 years, but I am quickly getting back into the swing of it. I particularly enjoyed the personal safety training session as that gave me a great insight into how I can protect myself when I’m out on patrol.

“I can’t wait to get out there and start learning on the job and look forward to making a difference to our communities.”

Specials are volunteer police officers. They come from all walks of life and volunteer their spare time for a minimum of 16 hours a month. Highly trained, with full policing powers including the power to arrest, they play an essential role in preventing, reducing and tackling crime.

If you’d like to find out more information, please visit our website.

Did you know? Through our Employer Supported Policing scheme, you may be eligible for paid or unpaid time off work to complete some duties. Find out more on the website.