Special Constable tells why role is ‘more than she ever thought it would be’

14 October 2022

A woman who dreamed of being a police officer at school but chose to fulfil a career as a hairdresser says she has ‘now got the best of both worlds’ after becoming a Special Constable.

Spurred on by the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown, Tina Barber applied to become a Special Constable in Suffolk in January 2020, after feeling like she wanted to find a ‘new zest for life’ and learn a new career

Now, having been in the role for almost a year, she has explained why she has chosen to join the Police Federation and why being a Special is ‘more than she thought it would ever be’.

“Being a Special has actually given me lots of challenges which I enjoy,” said mother-of-one Tina, who owns her own hairdressers and admits she felt that she wanted to do something else in life, something that would make a difference to others.

“I wanted to do some good and make a difference.

“I remember enquiring about becoming a police officer when I’d just starting out but was told there was a height restriction, being only 5 ft 2, meant I wouldn’t be tall enough.

“I then applied to be a Special 10 years ago but my son was only five, so it wasn’t the right time. I have my own career now and business with supporting staff so I can spend hours building a career with the police and my son is older, so it seemed the right time to apply.”

After successfully training for three months, Tina now volunteers around 50 hours a month of her time as a Special, and admits sometimes she racks up almost 100 hours.

“I thought my age might stop me, as I like to challenge myself but actually it made me more determined,” she continued.

“Being a Special is more than I ever thought it would be. I’m given so many opportunities and the freedom to work with so many different teams. The regular officers are very supportive which is great, I’d actually like to thank the Force for all the support.

“I loved the training and the learning, in all areas of policing, especially the physical side of training, like learning how to defend myself better.

“This has been a whole new challenge, I’ve learnt so much already.

“One highlight from the past year was when I helped find a man who suffered from dementia and was lost. He was so far away from his home, but we helped him get back. To know that I had helped get him home, and to see his family so happy - that was very rewarding.”

Tina became a member of the Police Federation after it was announced in July this year that SpecialConstables would be eligible to receive legal protection and representation from the staff association.

“I joined the Police Federation so I know that support is there if I need it. I almost see the Federation as a comfort blanket, peace of mind and I would encourage others to join too,” she said.

Tina says her son, is ‘very proud’ of her, and has even shown interest in joining the Force one day himself.

She said: “He is very supportive and my work as a Special has even sparked an interest in the job from him.

“For me, I want to keep going and keep learning. Who knows, one day, I might go for it and apply to be in theForce as a regular officer or in another role.”