SATURDAY

You just can't beat that Special feeling

You just can't beat that Special feeling

IT takes a special person to become a special constable -- and an even more exceptional person to do it for 25 years. DAVID HIGGERSON hit the beat with Pauline Walker...

IT is 7pm on a warm spring evening, and a group of police officers are being talked through the evening's operation -- a clampdown on teeny boozing on two housing estates.

Hardly the crime of the century, but within three hours Section Officer Pauline Walker is reporting back to her sergeant that the local community has reacted really well to the crackdown.

For Pauline, the success of the operation proves what is so rewarding about being a special police officer -- the sense of a job well done.

Over the last 25 years, Pauline has been a special constable, working at least one night a week in the Darwen area as one of 12 specials who assist the regulars -- they're the paid ones -- on all manner of duties.

"It is something I never thought would last this long," she said. "I originally wanted to join the force full time but I didn't get in so I gave the specials a go.

"It has worked well for me because it has meant I can do this and do other things I want to do."

On the night in question, to use police-speak, around half of the officers on the teeny booze crackdown were specials. Without them, the operation would not have been such a success.

It's the sense of knowing she has helped which has ensured Pauline has kept putting on the uniform for a quarter of a century.

Pauline, who is married to a regular police officer, Sgt Nigel Walker, spent her first eight years working in Blackburn.

Then she moved to Darwen, where she has been ever since. A lot has changed in that time.

"The attitude of the regular officers has changed a lot over the years, definitely for the better," she said.

"We effectively have the same training as them and the only difference people will spot is that we have an S on our shoulder.

"It can take a bit of time for them to get to know you, but once they do and they see you are up to the job, they'll often ask if you will go out with them on jobs. It has made things much better.

"In a town like Darwen, which only has a small police station, we are very much appreciated. There are 12 of us here and whenever I am asked to find a couple of people to come in, even at short notice, I can normally find someone."

The Friday evening patrol around two Darwen estates looking for under-age drinkers sums up perfectly why Pauline loves the job -- it is always changing.

She said: "At this time of year, we do a lot of processions. It is good to be out in the community for things like that, and at the same time it relieves the regulars who can get on with other things.

"Then there are operations like the teen drinking one where we tackle a problem and get a response from the residents straight away. That is very rewarding.

"But what I enjoy is the fact that, over the course of the evening, I can be faced with so many different challenges. At closing time, it can get quite rowdy in Darwen and knowing how to handle that can be a challenge.

"At the other end of the scale, we might end up at a domestic incident and have to defuse a situation. I've seen a lot but still see new things all the time."

The role of the special constable has evolved over the 25 years Pauline has been volunteering.

She said: "We do so much more now than we used to. We were very much just support when I started but we help out a lot more now, and get out more.

"I have never thought about stopping doing this because it is something I really enjoy. Having worked in the area so long, people have come to recognise me and they talk to me.

"I have seen a lot of officers come and go, they move around a lot these days, but I enjoy being in the same area and helping wherever I can."

But for Pauline, who lives in Lower Darwen and has one son, aged 18, there are two events off the beat which have been her most memorable.

She added: "I received an award for nine years' service and one for 19 years' service. To receive two medals for my services was very touching and rewarding.

"To know that the superintendent knows what you have done and is thanking you for it is a very nice feeling."

Having a husband who is also part of the thin blue line also helps.

She said: "He worked in traffic but recently started working with computers. He is a regular officer, a sergeant.

"When I come home from work it is good to have someone to talk to about what has been going on. Our jobs at least keep us talking!"

A recruitment drive is being launched next week to attract new volunteers. Pauline, now 46, believes it is something people should at least consider.

She said: "It is a very interesting experience and you carry on learning all the time. We train on Mondays.

"It isn't compulsory for you to go out every week but as section officer I rarely have to tell the regulars we haven't got anyone for them.

"It makes life very interesting."

IF you are interested in becoming a Special Constable, a recruitment drive is being held on Tuesday at 7pm at Darwen Cricket Club. The Specials are open to men and women aged 18-and-a-half to 50. Telephone Sgt Ian Hanson on 01254 353830 for more information.

Currently there is no minimum commitment on hours that volunteers must offer and a limited amount of expenses is available for travel costs.