A month in the making as a Special Constable

This week Humberside Police had the pleasure of spending a morning with Special Constable Agha Khan who joined them in the role just over a month ago.

It’s straight into the deep end for all our Special Constables after they finish their initial three months of rigorous training to give them all the skills and abilities needed to become a successful volunteer police officer.

It has certainly been no different for Agha who has dived headfirst into the role alongside being a part-time accountant, as well as running a part-time chauffeur business too!

He brings with him a wealth of transferable skills, life experience, enthusiasm, and fluency in four languages, so we caught up with him to see how he’s been getting on, what he’s been getting up to, and why he thinks you should take the leap and join us too.

Their first burning question – why did you decide to become a Special Constable?

In short, I just wanted to make a difference in my community! For me, it’s also that feeling of making somebody feeling safe just by being there. That’s definitely one of the biggest motivations for me.

As a Special Constable in the same uniform as regular, paid officers, people look up to us and you can really make a lot of difference in their lives.

Where are you based?

I’m based within the local policing team covering Osborne Street and surrounding areas of Hull.

It’s not the only place I get to cover though; I can be pulled off to different places across the force and get the opportunity to join onto all the exciting stuff!

Neighbourhood policing teams might be running specific operations that we can get involved in like Operation Coastline, or Operation Shield, and I’m also looking forward to the upcoming NPT campaign activity throughout the summer.

We also get the chance to engage with communities at events like Armed Forces Day and Pride, offer crime prevention advice, support on Kinetic Intervention Team Warrants, work alongside Community Cohesion Officers, and partners, and conduct high visibility patrols in key areas across the force.

We work with all different teams, including specialist teams like the Criminal Investigation Department, Armed Response Unit, Marine Unit, and Rural Task Force!

What’s a typical day in the life of a Special?

One word: varied!

You are never sure what could be coming your way when you start your shift.

You could start your day with a plan of catching up on workbook activity, following up on previous jobs, and not get any emergency calls. But then other days by the time you’ve zipped up your jacket, you’ve been called up for an emergency where your assistant is required.

You don’t know how it’s going to be but it’s always enjoyable and you have a lot of people around you so there’s always a real feel of comradeship.

You just need to get stuck in and I always think that’s the best way of learning because whilst you spend three months in training, it never really prepares you for the reality. I know everyone would say that whether you’re a detective, police officer, staff member, or volunteer, you can expect the unexpected in your policing career.

How many hours are Special Constables required to work?

You’re required to work a minimum of 16 hours per month, but you very quickly get carried away with all the exciting stuff like I have, and will soon want to get involved even more, clocking even more hours.

Like me, I have 16 hours planned in just for this week, and even more next week.

I am lucky that I can be so flexible with my other two part-time jobs and I know that isn’t always possible and it’s up to each individual what you can fit into your work-life balance, but for people looking to join as a Special, knowing you just have to commit to four hours a week at first should be reason enough to get on board.

What do you love most about being a Special?

I love it because it’s a great life experience – I wish I’d joined earlier but joining now means it’s not too late for me, and it won’t be for you either!

It’s a lifestyle, not just a job. It very quickly changes your perception and the way you think about the community, and the people around you too. It’s challenging, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things you can do.

What skills do you bring from the other roles you’ve had?

I have had many public facing roles throughout my working career, including my current part-time role running a chauffer business.

I’ve had to deal with challenging customers so have good communication skills – I’d definitely say that’s an expertise of mine.

Being an accountant also means I have good discipline and know how to follow rules and regulations which are crucial to succeeding in a career in policing, no matter what your role, especially when it comes to the safety of the public, and ourselves.

I am bilingual too and can speak four languages – Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi and English – meaning I can speak to most of South Asian continent which is one of the biggest stand out skills I bring to the constabulary.

I would say that if you have any skills that you think sets you apart – you will thrive.

Who can apply?

Anyone! In my recent cohort the youngest special was 17-years-old and the oldest was 70! As long as you are enthusiastic, passionate about making a difference, can commit to the three months’ worth of intensive training, and can be flexible, meeting the minimum requirement of four hours per week, the Special Constabulary is for you.

A lot of Special Constables join because they eventually want to become a regular police officer and volunteering first is a great way to better understand how policing works, and also give you a reality check as to what you will be dealing with and how challenging (but rewarding) the role can be. We run towards danger, just like regular officers, and have the same powers and responsibilities as them too.

We’re also looking for long-term career specials though too, who may fulfil their career as a bus driver, teacher, wind turbine technician, banker, parent, nurse, solicitor, even if you’re retired, whatever it may be, whilst simultaneously serving your community and really making a difference. It takes a certain drive and commitment, and you can also work your way up through the rank structure to become Special Sergeants, Inspectors, Chief Inspectors, Superintendents, and even a member of the Special Chief Officer team.

A lot of the current Special Constables have remained a volunteer without wanting to move into regular paid policing because they feel it gives them the best of both worlds – it broadens their experience and allows them to do something really worthwhile whilst also maintaining and excelling in a career they’re passionate about at the same time. Why choose one or the other?

I would also say it’s a really good opportunity for students who are at the beginning of their professional career and scoping out what direction they want to take their personal and professional life. As a student you have a bit more time and flexibility. And for teenagers out there – as a start, I would recommend joining the cadets!  

So, why not #BeBoth?

Hear more from some of our long-term career Specials.

What would you say to anyone thinking of joining us as a Special?

As long as you can commit at least four hours a week, you have good communication skills, good fitness levels and a little bit of discipline in life, there is no reason why you shouldn’t do it.

I’d also like to mention that there is a lot of support within the organisation for those who may have any additional needs or who are neurodiverse, so whatever you think may hold you back, it will not!

Our officers and staff come from all walks of life, but there is always room for us to improve and better represent our growing diverse communities.

The most effective police service is one that can help anyone, whatever their age, gender, ethnicity, level of ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, faith, relationship or parental status.

Just do it!

Don’t waste your time, jump on board.

How can people find out more, and more importantly, apply?

Definitely speak to officers when you see them out and about – there’s no better way to learn about the job than by those who are living it.

You can also find out more about the Special Constabulary via our dedicated webpage.

You won’t need much convincing, so when you’re ready, you can apply.