Special highlights the skills and confidence gained through the role

4 September 2026

Volunteering as a North Wales Police Special Constable has provided Dylan Evans with the chance to fulfil a long-held ambition while continuing a successful career outside policing.

Working full-time for a housing association as a joiner, Dylan spends his days helping tenants and maintaining homes across the community.

But when he finishes work, he swaps his tools for a police uniform and joins North Wales Police response officers on the frontline.

Dylan said policing was something he always wanted to pursue.

 

(Left to Right) Special Constable Dylan Evans, former Wales and
British Lions No8 Scott Quinnell and Special Sergeant Terry Jones
at the Anglesey Show

 

He said: "I wanted to be a police officer for a long time. I did try many years ago, but wasn't successful.

“As time goes by, you buy a house, get a mortgage and settle into a career. Making the move into full-time policing and starting as a PC becomes financially more difficult."

But Dylan said that the Special Constabulary offered a solution.

Speaking during Volunteers' Week (1 June to 7 June), he said: "As a Special, I am able to do both of the roles.

Community

“It’s giving me an insight into policing while allowing me to continue with my day job.

“It was also a chance to do something completely different and give something back to the community.

“So, I can carry on in my day job and then give my time with the Specials.”

Dylan said the role has been incredibly rewarding, allowing him to grow in confidence and develop new skills and build on existing ones.

New abilities include enhanced first aid training, better legal knowledge, and improved communication skills.

"Working for a housing association, you're dealing with people from all walks of life and helping them through difficult situations,” he said. “Those people skills are really important in policing too

"You learn so much through policing that you can take back into your everyday job as well. The two roles complement each other.

"The training you receive is excellent. The first aid training alone gives you valuable knowledge that could help someone at work, at home, or out in the community.

Training

“God forbid it doesn’t happen, but you’ve got those enhanced skills if they’re needed."

Dylan added that volunteering as a Special has had a significant impact on his personal development, particularly in building his confidence.

Dylan said: "Years ago, I wouldn't have been comfortable standing up and speaking in front of a room full of people.

“The training pushes you out of your comfort zone and helps you develop. It has definitely made me more confident as a person.”

One of the aspects Dylan enjoys most about his role as a Special is the variety that comes with it.

"Not every shift is the same,” he said. “You never know what you're going to be dealing with. Every day is different.

"When you finish a shift and you've helped somebody, or you've had a good outcome for someone who needed support, that's a great feeling. You know you've made a difference."

Although he currently balances volunteering with his full-time career, Dylan has not ruled out becoming a regular police officer in the future.

Volunteering

He said: "I'd consider it. The experience I've gained as a Special means it wouldn't feel like walking into the unknown. I've already seen what policing is really like."

Dylan said he would encourage anyone considering becoming a SpecialConstable to go for it.

"A lot of people have misconceptions about policing and think it's about driving around and catching motorists, but it's so much more than that."

Dylan also thanked his colleagues for the support he has received since joining.

"I'd heard stories that Specials can sometimes feel left out, but that hasn't been my experience at all,” he said.

“The officers in Caernarfon have been incredibly supportive, especially Rota 2, and I’m lucky to have Special Sergeant Terry Jones to support me on this journey.  

“It’s nice to know that some of the officers have walked in the footsteps of a Special, it makes it easier knowing that they have been where I stand now.

“If you show that you want to be there and be part of the team, people will help you and mentor you."

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