Carl Powell, who runs his own business, applied to become a Special Constable after seeing a recruitment stand at a local garden centre. Throughout the key stages of his journey to become a Special, he has videoed himself talking about the highs and the lows, sharing his advice and tips to help others.

Specials come from all walks of life and volunteer their spare time for a minimum of 16 hours a month. They are highly trained and play an essential role in preventing, reducing and tackling crime and keeping the communities of Hertfordshire safe.

The vlogs will be released on a weekly basis, so you can follow his journey here, right up to his attestation and his very first shift.

Q&A’s with Carl

What made you want to become a Special Constable?

From an early age I’ve had a desire to become a Police Officer. At that time I wasn’t tall enough so life took a different direction which provided me the opportunities within my career to have travelled and worked all over the world gaining vital life experience which has shaped me to become the person I am today. Within the last few years I’ve settled into married life with a family. I own and run my own company and now I want to give something back into the community that I live in. I believe that more than anything else I have a lot to offer and that Hertfordshire Constabulary as well as my community can benefit from all of that.

How did you hear about it?

At a local recruitment drive outside a local garden centre. I hit it off with the recruitment adviser who has been by my side supporting me through every step of the recruitment phase ever since.

What do you do in your day job and how do you see fitting your special duties fitting around this and your home life?

I own my own project management consultancy company providing professional services to the Media Broadcast and IT Industry. Although this, as well as being a father of two is a full time commitment, becoming a Special has always been something that I’ve wanted to do. I’m sure there will be some challenges on my time but also have some flexibility which I believe will help also.

How do you feel about your first shift and being out on patrol as a Special Constable for the first time?

Mainly excited, I’m sure that the training will provide me the necessary skills which will grow with the experience that being on patrol will bring. I’ve always been confident in my own abilities and firmly believe that having such a solid practical experience in people management will help. My life’s experiences have provided me some fairly interesting situations in which I’ve proved myself. Yes I’ve made mistakes just like anybody has, but that’s how we learn right?

How have you found your journey to become a Special Constable?

The recruitment process can be a tough journey. Having been through it myself, I’d certainly volunteer my time to anyone else who wanted support throughout the process too which is what I tried to convey within the vlogs that I produced.

What made you want to vlog about your journey?

It’s something that when asked I jumped at the opportunity in which to do so. I wanted to give something back. I wanted to pour my thoughts, feelings, encouragement, heart and soul into it. And mainly to support to anyone else who is in a similar position – hopefully this came across. I always wanted to convey that if someone like me could do this, then anyone could.

So, now you’ve seen Carl’s journey, what’s stopping your from taking that next step? Register your interest today!