Family tragedy made Special determined to join the world of policing

At the age of just 11, Natalie’s mother sadly committed suicide. Despite the devastating circumstances, it was a lack of compassion from the attending police officer which left a mark on Natalie and she vowed that she would one day join the world of policing in a bid to make a difference to others who may find themselves in a similar situation.

With four children of her own and a job on an NHS maternity ward, Natalie is also a valued member of the Special Constabulary in Wiltshire.

Special Constables, or Specials as they are sometimes known, are volunteer officers who have the same powers and responsibilities as regular officers and carry out the same roles.

Here, she tells her story.

“I have been a Special Constable for 15 years; the last four have been in Wiltshire. I am also a mum of four and work in an NHS maternity unit.

“I policed for another force for 11 years, but my last four have been in Wiltshire. As my children grew I felt I needed to police a little further away from home.

“My wish to become a Special Constable began years ago when I was 11. My mum sadly took her own life and that was my first ever interaction with a police officer. I felt the attending officer lacked compassion and kindness in a time that was so frightening and traumatic.

“From that moment, I knew I wanted to help a family should they sadly be in the same situation, as I knew how it felt and remember it vividly 27 years later.

“Since joining, I have attended similar incidences and it is always in the back of my mind that this may be their first ever interaction with the police.

“I have been in the NHS for 18 years and find that a lot of my skills in each job are often transferable. I am a Special Constable attached to a response team and so we attend 999 calls. During the shift, we as a team, can be tasked to anything such as an escaped cow on a busy road, a domestic violence incident or a drink driver that may have had a road traffic collision.

“I feel the care I give to a labouring woman is similar to that of a person trapped in a car awaiting the fire services arrival. People who may have just been assaulted can behave in a similar way to that of parents suddenly having a poorly new-born baby. Being a Special Constable means you gain valuable life skills as well as enhancing future job prospects.

“Working with a team is really rewarding as you get to know the full-time officers and the way they all individually work. I have learnt so much from them and we often debrief as a team after more challenging jobs I may have attended.

“The training Wiltshire Police has to offer was really positive and enjoyable. Being weekends and some weekday evenings I could work it around the school runs and my main job. I had more support for dyslexia and felt supported.

“I enjoy being a Special Constable. I find it rewarding, as well as a challenge it helps me feel more fulfilled as a person.”

To be eligible to become a Special Constable, the basic requirements are that you must be:

Find out more on the Wiltshire Police website.