What Our Specials Say
Michael Lydon, East Kilbride
It's very easy to sit at home and leave things to the police, then complain about what happens in our communities. We all want better and safer places to live – and that's why I joined up.
Initially, my training consisted of five days' theory and five days' officer safety training. Although this gave you the basics, the training really began on the street. When you're in uniform the public see a police officer, not a special constable, so my biggest challenge is to be as professional and knowledgeable as my regular colleagues. Like anything, the more you put in the more you get out. If you're prepared to really get involved, then the rewards are endless.
Gerry Robertson, Kilmarnock
I became a special constable because I wanted to do a bit of community work. I enjoy getting out there and helping people. I've been doing it for 21 years now – even got my long service medal in October.
As a special I can bring different skills to the job. For example, in my regular work as a funeral director I have a lot of experience with handling sudden deaths. Also, having experienced bereavement myself, I know what people are going through.
In the early days I did a lot of Friday and Saturday night shifts. Now I tend to work days - dealing with housebreakings from the night before, thefts from shops and visiting elderly people in their homes. You learn a lot and see how different people live.
In the end, I'm happy to be doing something useful. I plan to keep on being a special for as long as I can. It's particularly satisfying when you get a result at the end of the day. That's what policing is all about.