John Philip KPM

Name: John Philip KPM

Rank: Special Constabulary Chief Officer

Where do you work as a Special Constable?: I am based at force HQ as part of the Chief Officer Team

When did you join as a Special Constable?: I joined in November 1987

What do you do for a living outside the Special Constabulary?: I work for a major banking group as a Project Manager delivering large scale property projects.

Why did you join as a Special Constable?: I’d always had an interest in policing and it was a great way to see policing from the inside. I did at one stage think I’d want to do the role full time but then as family came along and I progressed in my day job and from a work/life balance and financial perspective it didn’t appeal. I feel I have the best of both worlds now as a career special.

What types of duty you typically get involved in?: In the past I’ve worked in inner city urban areas and in rural parts of the force, been involved in training and progressed through all the ranks. My role now is to lead the Special Constabulary to ensure we deliver an effective and efficient service to the force and ultimately the communities we serve.

What are your future ambitions as a member of the Special Constabulary?: I’ve got to the highest rank possible so for my last few years I want to make sure we have a Special Constabulary that is fit for purpose and that adds value to the overall policing of our area.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of joining?: As someone who joined in 1987 and is still here it won’t come as a surprise that I’d recommend the role. It’s not a role to go into without some thought though about how you will make it work alongside a career, a family, a social life and everything else that life has to offer. It needs commitment and dedication but the rewards are more than worth it. If you want to really make a difference to the community and think policing is of interest to you-then go for it.