Metropolitan Police Careers

Profiles

Hiten Brahmbhatt - Age 26

Supermarket Assistant & Special Constable

'I became a special constable because I wanted to see at first hand what regular police officers experience day to day. The training was pretty intensive, covering everything from MPS policy and procedures to diversity, powers of arrest, self-defence and first aid. You have the option of training weekdays or weekends and I chose weekends as I was in full-time education at the time. It takes commitment, of course, but it all pays off when you get your warrant card.

'There's no such thing as a typical shift. Anything can happen when you put on the uniform. It's all about being prepared, adapting to and accommodating different attitudes and behaviours. You certainly learn very quickly from regular officers – after all, they know what to do and when to do it – but once you put the uniform on you're all part of one team.

'I've been a Special for a year now and I can't begin to tell you how satisfying it is helping victims of crime. There have been quite a few highlights over the year. I was on patrol at the London Mela, the biggest celebration of Asian culture in Europe and it was great interacting with the public. There was also an occasion when I was out in a mini-bus with other Specials and we were radioed about a fight in a pub. We got there and managed to separate the trouble-makers – which wasn't easy as the pub was packed – and then made arrests outside.

'As long as I put in the minimum hours I can choose when I do my shifts, so it ties in very nicely with my day job in a supermarket. My interpersonal and team-working skills have come on leaps and bounds, and I've learned how to deal effectively and quickly with tricky situations. I can honestly say becoming a Special has made me a better person.'