Mike

What kind of work do you do as a Special?

I volunteer as a Special Constable on the Wirral, based at Bebington in the local policing team, and do a minimum of 16 hours a month which I arrange around my full time ‘day’ job as a commercial diver. I joined in September 2021 and after training I became an ‘independent’ Special Constable meaning I can go out on patrol and drive a police car or van on my own if need be. I most enjoy going out with colleagues though and all Specials get to police alongside the regulars (full-time, paid police officers). The camaraderie is really good.

How did you first get into it?

I always had an interest in the police from a young age as most children do.

I had an opportunity back in 2021 to join after speaking to friends within the regulars I was advised to join the Specials alongside my normal carrier path. I haven’t looked back since! I really enjoy and take great pride in being part of a big team and making Merseyside a safer place for all, but I also enjoy my career as a diver.

What does your average shift as a Special look like?

Working in a local policing team no one day is the same. It is so varied from high visibility patrolling our local beat areas, responding to 999 calls when required to do so, crime scene preservation, making sure local priorities like anti-social behaviour, gang crime and violence are addressed

We also spend a lot of time meeting the public and visiting schools. Interacting with children, seeing them wave and smile when we arrive, and inviting them to sit in the police cars is really rewarding. 

What do you do outside of your volunteering role?

I say I am a professional ‘bubble blower’ which means I’m a commercial diver! I do offshore diving working for companies in the oil, gas and windfarm industries. This kind of work involves me exploring underwater in order to build and maintain structures. Compression sickness and exposure to underwater structures are among some of the risks involved offshore diving

I might also be asked to get involved in salvage, body retrieval for accidents at sea or subsea surveys in areas searching and disposing or setting charges of unexploded ordinance (UXO)

I am also qualified and experienced in onshore and inland diving, where I examine engineering projects in lakes, rivers, harbours, dams and docks, or I might be inspecting and cleaning vessels in water with almost zero visibility! Being based in a martime region like Merseyside means there is no shortage of opportununities!

What would be your message to anyone thinking about becoming a Special for Merseyside Police?

Don’t think too long, just DO IT!  From beginning to end of your initial training it’s fun, challenging and you learn new life skills and make new friends.

I really enjoy making Merseyside a safer place for people in their hour of need. I have key skills I have bought in to the job that can make a real difference.

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