Birmingham City University have an exciting and valuable agreement with West Midlands Police in which they work with them on the recruitment and training of Special Constables.
Volunteers are a vital part of the WMP family who are supporting and operating as integral members of some of the busiest teams and departments, from the dog unit through to forensics.
The Special Constable role includes responding to 999 calls, patrolling local communities, working at major events and many more. Specials wear the police uniform, have fully warranted powers and are expected to work an average of 16 hours of service a month.
Some volunteer one day a week, others on a more causal basis and others come in most days, however WMP are hugely grateful to everyone who gives up their time.
This new partnership between West Midlands Police and Birmingham City University has led many Professional Policing students down the route of Special Constable, with the encouragement of course director Jonathan Jackson.
Jake, Ryan and Jade, Professional Policing students and recent Special Constables spoke about their experiences of university and training.
All three students agreed that one of the main reasons they wanted to join the Specials was to experience the role in order to gain experience and knowledge. Jade commented "I wanted to experience the lifestyle as much as I possibly could before committing fully to a career in Policing". Ryan also explained that one of the main reasons he decided to join the Specials is it allows you to become familiar with all the systems, so it is a great way to get a head start on being skilled up on the systems to make a great first impression.
These Professional Policing students praised the help and encouragement they received throughout their Specials recruitment and training from those at the University. Jake thanked the lecturers saying "a major help for myself was Jonathan Jackson introducing me to Charlotte Highsmith who was a SC and helped me with my interview technique". Akin to this, Jade also praised the universities help "without the lecturers help and guidance I wouldn't have known about this opportunity" and that due to the course content overlapping the training, she felt a lot more confident about what she had to learn.
The Special Constable training involves many different aspects and is praised for being 'interesting' and 'extensive'. Jake expresses how he "enjoyed the Airwave training which was the use of Radios". Jade comments on how "each day is different and we are taught to assume nothing, believe no one and challenge everything". Despite the course being enjoyable and the content interesting, it has been really "stop start" due to multiple things, including Covid-19. "At first the university cohort was rushed into training without having full vetting so we had to stop, then once all was resolved we were able to get back into it and was really hands on" Ryan explained.
Covid-19 made the Special Constable training more difficult, training was stop start so initial training stages had to be restarted. All training had to be done online, so a lot of legislation training was self taught. However not everything could be taught online, such as statement taking and online systems. "I had to learn very much on the job, which I have enjoyed" Ryan commented. Other practical training which had to be done in person was done safely with social distancing and having to wear masks. This however made training difficult as it got "hot and sweaty".
When asked about things they enjoyed and what they struggled with during training, they all discussed different aspects. Jake enjoyed the training which taught him First Aid and Self Defence, as well as how to use the kit on his Utility Belt, ranging from cuffs, to batons to limb restraints. Whereas Ryan spoke of how he "loved going out with the various teams, especially the neighbourhood taskforce". Jade shows her appreciation for the team, explaining how she feels as though she can ask for help about anything without feeling embarrassed; "everybody is in it together and you don't have to feel alone in your fear of failure".
Ryan spoke around the effects of Covid-19 and how it has made some aspects of training difficult such as the online systems. Due to Covid-19 they have not been able to receive any training on the policing systems which it has made it hard to go about day to day policing. Due to this, the IT department are reluctant to release accounts to new officers, and to this day, Ryan has only received access to 60% of the systems.
When asked about their overall experience and things they were looking forward to, it is evident that all three students are excited for their future as Special Constables and different roles within the Police. Jake resigned from the Specials soon after his attesting due to being successful with his Degree Apprenticeship application as a Student Officer in WMP. Ryan tells how he is mostly looking forward to working with response as it is "one of the most fast paced and ever changing job environments in the police", whereas Jade stated "I am mostly looking forward to being able to keep helping people who look up to me as a police officer".
All three offer advice for future Birmingham City University students and future Special Constable hopefuls. "My advice, 100% put an application in, even if you were unsuccessful last time. I have met some brilliant people and it will make you stand out when you go for that role of PC after you have completed your degree" Jake advised "without a doubt the best decision I have made!".
"My advice for anyone wanting to join the police force, especially policing students at BCU, is to go for it!"- Ryan.
"Being a Special Constable is an extremely amazing role"- Jade.
It is clear that the agreement between Birmingham City University and West Midlands Police is very beneficial for students who want to join as a Special Constable. With support from the lecturers and the Professional Policing course context overlapping that of the training, students feel well prepared and supported. This is an extremely valuable and rewarding role, supporting West Midlands police and receiving important experience, with those at Birmingham City University encouraging you all the way.
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