My name is Manon, I am a 46 year old mother of two, living with my partner in the Stirlingshire area. I had been working for the same company for 16 years and had a very secure job that I enjoyed however there were no new challenges left in my day and there were no further chances for me to progress as I had reached the highest point available to me. The thought of still being in the same post for many years to come just seemed to stretch away forever.
I had wanted to join the police many years before but circumstances at the time had not been right but now my mind kept coming back to this possibility. I knew a few police officers and their families and when I spoke to them about their jobs they had such enthusiasm for what they did, it sounded so interesting, with masses of variety and opportunities but it was suggested that before I committed my future completely I should consider joining as a Special Constable first to get a really good idea what being a police officer was really like without giving up my job as this would be such a huge change for me and my family.
I contacted the recruitment department at Central Scotland Police because I knew that although it is a small force it is known for excellent standards and a very personable attitude towards the public and their staff. This became evident from the very first time I spoke to the recruitment staff. They were friendly, approachable, helpful and so encouraging.
I joined Central Scotland Police in 2006 as a Special Constable. Training took place in the evenings and 4 months later I was issued with my uniform and assigned to my station. I could work the hours that suited me and straight away the officers that I worked with were keen for me to take part in everything that was going on and were always really generous with their knowledge and experience. They took me under their wing, I felt needed and part of team. Meeting lots of people from all sorts of backgrounds and walks of life, I found that every day was different and that you never knew what was going to happen next. It was exciting, challenging and really interesting. Helping people who live in my local community through sometimes very difficult and frightening times was really satisfying and worthwhile. As a Special Constable you get the opportunity to work with lots of different departments within the police force and to take part in special operations in areas of policing that might be of interest to you.
The experiences that I gained as a Special Constable were so rewarding that I did join Central Scotland police as a full time Police Constable but I worked with many other specials who had been contributing to Central Scotland Police and the community in this way for very many years. Their contribution and commitment is highly valued and the job that they do is rewarding and really is very ‘Special’.
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