Determined to further support the communities she serves, our Housing Officer, Melissa Palmer, has embarked on a volunteering role with the Special Constabulary.
Melissa always had an interest in the police but her passion for pursuing a career in the housing sector meant those thoughts were put on the backburner.
But Melissa struck upon the perfect solution after discovering some volunteering opportunities with the Specials.
Having already carried out some volunteering through community amnesty days and litter picks, Melissa put in an application to become a voluntary part-time police officer and was successful.
After completing a range of online and practical training, she is now looking forward to taking her first steps on the streets to support the police.
Melissa said: “I’ve always had an interest in the police as a career, but never wanted to take that leap or leave my housing career.
“I also see first-hand the work the police do in our communities and work closely with them within my Housing Officer role.
“So the Specials role seemed like a fantastic opportunity to both fulfil my desire to have a career within the police but to also assist and give back to the community.
“I am really looking forward to getting out into the community and being able to make a positive impact.
“Although I can help in some ways in the community at the moment in my Housing Officer role, to be able to give something back in a police capacity as a volunteer is something I’m really looking forward to experiencing.
“Between now and my attestation, I will be attending another seven weekends at Middlemoor, starting with a fitness test and personal safety training.
“Then onto first aid, crime practical’s and non-crime practical’s. These weekends continue every other weekend with a break in August.
“The attestation is a ceremony held again at Middlemoor police HQ where family are invited to the event, this is where I will pledge my oath and can commence my role as a special constable from then on.”
Melissa has been warmly welcomed as she trains to become a Special Constable and is impressed with how thorough the training is before you start.
She added: “The police family seem really inclusive, supportive and the team of Specials I am learning with are all really lovely. It’s been great to meet new people.
“There is a lot of information to retain, and you really have to self-motivate to learn remotely and fit it in around working and home life.
“There are lots of late nights and weekend learning. The highlights are the sense of achievement at each stage, the knowledge I’ve been learning and the first weekend I have just attended was really enjoyable.”
Melissa is encouraging more people to come forward to volunteer in a variety of fields as those who give up their time for free are celebrated as part of Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June).
Melissa added: “There are so many areas in which people can volunteer and not all are known, recognised or understood.
“Highlighting this is really important and Volunteering Week provides an opportunity to not only recognise all the great things being done, but also to provide inspiration for others to volunteer.”
If anyone is interested in finding out more about the role of the Special Constable, please visit the Devon and Cornwall Police Website here
You can also register your interest on the website and be kept up to date with future campaigns and our awareness events.