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Sussex Police welcomed 11 new Special Constables to the force, who will soon be serving communities in your area.
The officers were sworn in at a formal attestation ceremony on Saturday (19 October), which was held at Sussex Police’s Headquarters in Lewes.
They were greeted by Chief Constable Jo Shiner, Superintendent Shane Baker, thematic lead for the Special Constabulary and Special Constable Ryan Seibel, Operational Head for the Special Constabulary.
After completing 15 weeks’ initial training, the new Special Constables will join local policing teams, where they will continue their training alongside divisional coaches on our streets, together with further theoretical, legal and practical training.
This attestation comes after another five Special Constables who were sworn into the force in September.
Superintendent Baker said: “Following their attestation, I am delighted to welcome our new Specials into Sussex Police.
“This will support our frontline teams and contribute towards our ability to keep people safe and deliver an outstanding service.”
Special Constable Seibel said “It is a privilege to welcome these new officers into our Special Constabulary and I am excited to follow their journey as part of our police service.
“Last year alone our Special Constables contributed in excess of 15,000 hours to frontline policing helping to protect our communities and bring offenders to justice.”
Simona Ferreria, who works as a trainer for new Sussex Police officers, is now using her spare time to be a Special Constable.
She said: “Firstly, I have become a Special Constable to expand my knowledge, and I want to give first-hand real-life examples to new recruits. I want to apply theory into practice.
“Most importantly, I want my son growing up in a safe community. By volunteering, I will contribute to making people feel safe in streets. I want to protect those who need it most.
“I want to be there when no one else is and show them support as much as I can.
“As a Special Constable I can do my best to change many lives and create a safe environment, not only for my family and friends, but for everyone around me.”
Nigel Peacock JP, Superintendent Shane Baker, SC Simona Ferreria, Chief Constable Jo Shiner, Thomas Hedges JP
Phil Hobden on why he wanted to be a Special Constable: “I have been pretty lucky In in my career but it probably doesn't challenge me as much as it used to.
“I wanted to do something that would push me as a person, the way I act, the way I think and the way I look at the world and problems. I want something that would take me out of my comfort zone and help me continue to grow as a person.
“I have a 14-year-old daughter and I wanted to make the streets where we live safer for her and her friends. I want to give back to the community that has looked after me and my family for many years.
Nigel Peacock JP, Superintendent Shane Baker, SC Phil Hobden, Chief Constable Jo Shiner, Thomas Hedges JP
Another new Special Constable recruit, Ryan Gratton, said: “I am over the moon that I have made it through.
“I have joined Sussex Police as a Special Constable as I want to help make a difference in the community and build on gaining more of their trust and respect. I want a new challenge to push myself out of my comfort zones to deal with the situations under pressure professionally.
“I would like to join the roads policing unit (RPU), having worked alongside them for many years as a recovery operator.
“I want to help them make a difference on Sussex roads, make them safer and be a proactive RPU officer.
“I want to make a difference in the community by educating potential offenders to deter them from making the wrong choices and thinking twice.”
Nigel Peacock JP, Superintendent Shane Baker, SC Ryan Gratton, Chief Constable Jo Shiner, Thomas Hedges JP