A Special type of role
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Read more about retired Sergeant Stephen Lee (pictured below). Steve joined the constabulary in 2003 and in October of 2023 and at the age of 55 retired after an incredible 20 years’ front-line service. However, Steve decided not to hang the handcuffs up just yet and decided to volunteer as a Special Constable.
After 20 years in front line uniform response, you must have some stand out moments Steve, what are they?
There are so many it’s difficult to list them all, but I think whilst deployed as a DVI officer, I worked as part of the COVID multi agency response car dealing with all COVID deaths in the community throughout first lockdown. As a result of this deployment, I was invited to 10 Downing Street to meet Boris Johnson to be thanked personally for these efforts during the pandemic.
I also specialised as a PSU officer and was involved in numerous jobs throughout the county and UK. My longest deployment was to the London riots 2011. After this deployment Suffolk Constabulary selected me to go to 10 Downing Street to meet David Cameron and Nick Clegg.
So, what made you decide to join Suffolk Special Constabulary Steve?
I missed my badge and being part of the policing family, so it was a win, win to be honest. I have been able to keep all my driving tickets and had no need for any other training. I just completed my annual first aid refresher and PPST and then got re attestation and away I went back out on patrol supporting my old colleagues. I can use all police systems Compact/Athena so can record my own investigations.
I work my hours around my new staff job as a L&D as an initial trainer and my family, so I tend to work a Friday or Saturday late shift. Which were my favourite shifts when a regular. I always enjoyed late shifts at weekends.
I have also been able to do day shifts on foot in the town of Felixstowe speaking to the public and shopkeepers which has been great as I have not been able to do that part of community policing for a long time.
I still have the opportunity to lock up the baddies whilst supporting our communities and colleagues but with a lot less pressure and stress of 24/7 shifts.
Thank you for your continued service, Steve. It’s brilliant that all your qualifications have been able to migrate. Who knows, maybe it won’t be long before you can complete a Hatrick of visits to Number 10 for your continued service!
If this has whetted your appetite to join the Specials yourself, more information can be found here>
Special Constabulary | Suffolk Constabulary