SC Rob Freeman

"I've been in the Essex Police family for five years. Four as an Active Citizen and over a year as a Special Constable in Thurrock."

"I enjoy the proactive elements the most and being able to move around and get a sense of what it’s like in different departments at Essex Police.

"I like the different opportunities you get as a Special Constable, such as being able to work with your Local Policing and Community Policing Teams.

"Whilst doing so, I am gathering all the relevant experience to make myself better at delivering in my own role."

"Having diversity and inclusion is vital in ensuring a confident and comfortable place to work. As a Special Constable in Essex Police, I feel no matter your background, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation everyone is welcome and will feel that they belong."

"As I’m in my 50’s, I initially considered that I would not be able to keep up at this stage in my life – how wrong I was!

"You are a welcomed part of the team, no matter your age. It can be full-on at times, and on occasion I have exceeded the maximum hours on shift. However, I always come away feeling fulfilled that I have been able to contribute my time and experience as a Special Constable."

"It’s incredibly important to value difference because it creates a force for all and one that represents today’s society.

"Luckily each generation is evolving for the better and will be more inclusive than the last.

"It’s clear that Essex Police values difference by recruiting from so many backgrounds, it’s a positive mixture of gender, religious beliefs, age, and disabilities."

"Essex Police are extremely supportive, which has increased my confidence and has allowed me to build on my relationships to ensure I’m a well-rounded, contributing member to the team. I like being part of the change in the world."

"Being a Special Constable allows me to get involved in all kinds of policing duties and can be a mixture of non-emergency and emergency calls.

"You never know what the situation will be, and for me that’s the best bit of the job, no two days are the same."

"Just do it, don’t even hesitate! If you feel you have something to give, step up and give it a go, you won’t look back.

"If you are thinking about becoming a Special Constable, Police Constable or PCSO, and want to be a part of a massive policing family, then Essex Police has a place for you."

"Attending a sudden death, where there were no relatives to accept that a loved one had passed away.

"Through investigation, background checks both myself and my colleague found where a relative lived, and I informed them of the sad news.

"No training prepares you for the flood of emotions."

"A well-grounded wealth of life experience."

"Living the dream!"

"There are many people who suffer from, and live with, mental illness.

"As a Special, I’m often first on the scene to these calls.

"Through taking extra care and time to listen to each person, I really feel that I have made a positive change in someone’s life. Essex Police take pride in responding to all incidents with professionalism and a caring nature, that makes me feel proud to be part of the Essex Police family."