Students meet Deputy PCC and Specials at freshers’ fair
STUDENTS found out more about the work of the Police & Crime Commissioner and Special constables at a freshers’ fair.
Deputy Police & Crime Commissioner Lindsay Whitehouse joined the volunteer Essex Police officers for the fair at Writtle College on Wednesday in the hope of recruiting youngsters to the Specials scheme.
He also explained the work of the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner, and its relevance to students.
Special Constables Perry Woolner and Spencer Worth – who are both attached to Essex Police’s Rural Crime team – spoke to students about life as a volunteer officer, how they balance the role with their day jobs and the types of incidents they deal with on a daily basis.
SPC Woolner, who works for Essex & Suffolk Water, has been a volunteer for 23 years whilst his colleague SPC Worth, a chef by day, has been a Special for 10-years.
From left to right: SPC Woolner, Bridie Hewitt, Lily Smith, SPC Worth, Deputy Police & Crime Commissioner Lindsay Whitehouse
Deputy PCC Whitehouse said: “It really was encouraging to see some of the students show interest in becoming Special Constables.
“By signing up to become a Special these youngsters can learn the whole new range of skills that come with being a police officer whilst carrying out their studies and, long term, this will undoubtedly help them become a more attractive prospect for potential employers.”
Students Lily Smith and Bridie Hewitt were among those to express an interest in signing up.
Bridie, 19, said: “My granddad was a police officer so it would be nice to follow in his footsteps and I’ve always had an interest in doing volunteer work.
“I think becoming a Special Constable would definitely help make you stand out to future employers.”
Deputy Whitehouse also spoke to youngsters about volunteer schemes run by the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner including the Independent Custody Visitor and Dog Lay Welfare Visitor programmes.
For more information about the PCC volunteer schemes visit www.essex.pfcc.police.uk.
To find out more about signing up to become a Special Constable visit http://www.essex.police.uk/recruitment/special_constabulary.aspx
