Meet Colchester’s newest officer

Meet PC Aaron Smyth, Colchester’s newest officer, who’s ready to help people, keep them safe and catch criminals. There will be 3,755 officers in Essex by March 2023 with the same dedication and commitment as PC Smyth.

In January 2021, PC Smyth became a Special Constable with Essex Police and spent close to two years volunteering to protect and serve Clacton. Now, in November 2022, PC Smyth is ready to protect and serve Essex full-time.

Speaking about his achievement, PC Smyth said:

“There’s a lot of weight on my shoulders to protect and help a lot of people.

“I’m looking forward to talking to the public, boosting their confidence in us and ensuring them we’re here to do the job.

“I’ve learnt a lot over the last few years, especially that people just want to be listened to.”

The best part of PC Smyth’s training has been having the support of his classmates and trainers. As a team, they’ve helped each other through their 22 weeks of training. PC Smyth is now ready to put what he’s learnt into action.

“When people call us, they’re usually scared for themselves or someone else. I feel proud knowing that when they see the blue lights, they’ll feel a bit more at ease knowing we’re going to help and keep them safe.

“I played a football game a few weeks ago in Southend with young adults in care. They were laughing and joking with us. They didn’t know I was a police officer at first, but I told them that even though I wear the uniform, I’m a human just like them.”

Before joining the police and while volunteering as a Special Constable, PC Smyth worked in maintenance.

“I learnt a lot about communication, how to de-escalate situations, and find a common path. I’ve learnt how to work as a team, how to delegate, and incorporate everyone’s skills.

“Now I’m in policing, I’ve got a 35-year career ahead of me. I don’t want to rush into my dream role, which is Firearms, because I want to explore other areas of the force first, like the Operational Support Group.”

PC Smyth has one final piece of wisdom to share.

“I’ve gained so much confidence and experience since being a Special Constable and qualified police officer.

“I feel like it’s built in me to put myself in harm’s way to help and protect people. I’ve always wanted to be a police officer for that reason. If you feel the same, you should apply.”

Join us today and you could be starting your policing journey in the new year.

If you #FitTheBill, get in touch.

If you’re applying as an officer, your starting salary will be £28,812 to £29,682 (this figure includes a £3,000 South East Allowance) and you could be earning up to £43,032 within seven years as a PC.

In addition, officers from the rank of constable to chief inspector receive an additional 10% of their basic pay for all hours worked between 8pm and 6am*.

What more would you like the police to do in your area? What types of crime would you like them to prevent and detect? Have your say with the Police Fire & Crime Commissioner’s quick survey Precept 2023-2024 - have your say.

*This payment is not pensionable and will be paid for each full hour worked. Where overtime is worked between 8pm and 6am, the rate of the allowance is still 10% of basic pay, not 10% of the overtime rate.