Special Constable Chris Powell

Meet Special Constable - Chris Powell

My name is Chris and by day I’m a self-employed electrician working specifically on reactive maintenance in care homes across Yorkshire and the Northeast. 

I joined the Special Constabulary in November 2022 after applying online in the previous March. I’ve often been asked why especially given my age, my full-on day job and in some cases from acquaintances why I do it for free. 

I applied to join the Police and the Special Constabulary in my 20’s, however due to work, family and all the trappings of life, failed to pursue the calling until the opportunity back in 2022, I thought what have I got to lose, along with what everything I could offer.

Many people join because they want to make a difference, which is an absolute good reason to join. However, sitting back and watching media, life and how things are happening and unfolding in the world, the county and importantly the community I live in, it’s easy to sit back and have a view on what should be or could be done to improve the lives of those around you which are spoiled by the minority. 

I saw a documentary a few years back relating to another force and now, having some experience of wearing the uniform, I can honestly say that what was being presented was in fact reality and not just good TV, revealing the pressures of resources and increasing demands on the service from the public. So rather than having a sofa opinion I completed the application and off I went to be a part of the solution as best I could.

After undergoing the 6 months of basic training held at HQ in Northallerton, delivered by hands-on police officers with years of front-line experience, you are given a warrant card and the basic skills to take someone’s liberty - which is a huge social responsibility and not to be undertaken lightly.

Since joining, even with life experience I felt I had, what you see, hear and experience has its ups and downs. There’s not a shift goes by where you experience something new, from praise for being a physical presence on the streets to being the first responder to people who are suffering from mental health episodes, domestic abuse, drug problems or just people who have had too much to drink.

Being a Special Constable really does make you challenge yourself, your thought process and your judgement, as what you are presented with may not be all it seems. 

The support and guidance from the regular full-time Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) is second to none and you are definitely treated as a valuable member of the team on any shift - working together as one unit when things get busy.

If anyone is looking to join or feel it might be or might not be for them then attending one of the recruitment events is a first step in understanding the role and the commitment that the role undertakes.