'The best decision I have ever made': award-winning Special delighted at personal growth in Force

13 September 2024

We spoke to Nottinghamshire Police Federation member and recent award winner Ryan Calvert about his experiences as a young Special Sergeant.

His policing career may only be in its infancy, but Special Sergeant Ryan Calvert has already shown enough commitment to the cause to last a lifetime.

Despite his relative inexperience, Ryan has already seen his dedication and willingness as a voluntary officer acknowledged by colleagues, mentors and the general public, and in recent times, even take on official recognition.

The 22-year-old’s involvement with the Special Constabulary began when he was at the University of Derby, where his operational duties formed part of the Professional Policing course he studied.

“I always liked the prospect of being a police officer because they have the ability to have a big impact on a local community, and I just found that really appealing. I also really wanted to understand how the Force worked and how they support officers to be the best they can possibly be, so studying it at uni was definitely the best choice for me,” he said.

Big impact

The decision to embark on this journey back in 2021 meant Ryan had thrown himself in at the deep end – in the matter of a few days, he went from being neither a full-time student nor a police officer to being both, and by his own admission, had no choice but to tread the water.

He continued: “It was daunting, to say the least. I felt self-conscious around regular officers as someone who was both a volunteer and just 19 years old because you just don’t know if you’re going to be taken seriously. And yet, at the same time, I was worried about going out in public and potentially facing whatever my older colleagues might face, except without all the experience.

“What did turn out to help me, though, was realising that once you’re dealing with an emergency, all police officers are on the same side and nothing else matters.”

This discovery enabled Ryan to keep any trepidation at bay and establish good relationships with his immediate colleagues in his neighbour policing team,  working alongside people he describes as 'crucial' to his acclimatisation.

Before long, he was on the beat in the city centre, helping to monitor Nottingham’s night-time economy.

“I kept throwing myself into things and I’m so glad I started the night shifts in the city. You engage with a different type of person – typically, alcohol will be involved and they are in good spirits. I liked that that mix of being light-hearted but, ultimately, being there to enforce the law if needed.

“It never became easy, but I was enjoying my role more and more all the time,” he added.

University

Originally from Skegness, Ryan has started a day job as a quality inspector at a recycling plant in Derbyshire since graduating from university, with his efforts as a Special remaining a constant of his evenings and weekends.

Surely enough, his appetite for policing has never wavered, illustrated by the outstanding 1,000 hours of duty he has completed over the last year. His tendency to remain on-shift in the middle of a busy task, even his finish time has passed, has repeatedly left his team in bemusement, prompting them turn around and ask, ‘why are you still here?’

For Ryan, the answer is always a simple one: “Because I love it.”

Earlier this year, Ryan was nominated for Nottinghamshire Police’s Special Constabulary Officer of the Year by his Special Superintendent, Grant White, who was certain Ryan's 'unrelenting dedication' needed commending.

Grant’s decision was vindicated when Ryan picked up the award.

“I was very shocked to win it – honoured, but very shocked. I never imagined I would be receiving something like that when I started, and it’s made me incredibly proud,” he said.

The recognition consolidates the youthful example Ryan continues to set for the Special Constabulary, which was already gaining momentum through his promotion from constable to supervising sergeant last year.

Specials

This saw him, at the age of 21, take on his own team of Specials and act as their central point of contact and support.

As his career moves past the three-year mark, he reflected on all the achievements and responsibilities he has enjoyed so far: “It’s been an amazing three years, and I hope it will long continue that way.

“That idea of impacting a community has rang true more than anything else – I’m not a politician, a celebrity, or any huge public figure, but I’m relied upon locally by people to support them. That’s the biggest thing for me.

“It’s been the best decision I have ever made.”

Looking to the future, Ryan, who has ambitions to eventually become a regular officer, revealed his success story in the Police, which is not one without its blemishes.

“Even now, I still get that daunting feeling at times, and I doubt myself. 

“When that happens, I try to remember that it’s not about being the perfect officer but being committed to bettering yourself. I know that by doing this, I’ve grown so much as a person,” he ended.

READ MORE: Increasing number of officers signed off with poor mental health.