A BUSY dad who works as a volunteer police officer is helping Essex Police to promote the benefits of becoming a special officer.

John Wright, 24, signed up to the county’s special constabulary to achieve a childhood dream, and has never looked back.

He always wanted to join the force, but as a deputy assistant manager for the Harvester restaurant in Laindon, he decided to try to do both. Now, he is hoping others will follow his lead.

Mr Wright, who has two children, said: “I wanted to join the force since I left school, but life took me in a different direction and I joined the catering industry instead. I signed up to the special constabulary three years ago as a way of carrying out my childhood dream.”

He finds the shift patterns he works means he can fit in policing duties around his current job, and he chooses to work much longer than the few hours a week expected.

He said: “It’s my choice to work as many hours as I can, as you can’t beat the satisfaction being a special gives you.

“You can come in any time you want, and work any day that suits you. Knowing you can make a difference to a community is a real motivator.”

Mr Wright works a shift in Billericay, and has now been promoted to special sergeant after two years as a special constable.

He said: “I used to live in Billericay and it’s great, as I know the community and my way around it. I find it really rewarding to police an area you already know.

“I enjoy the satisfaction of an arrest and conviction, as it means I help to take criminals off the streets of Billericay.”

He hopes to turn his voluntary work into a full-time career once his children are older.

He added: “I would like to climb the ranks and experience the different levels of police management. To me, being a special is a true test for becoming a regular policeman.

“For other people, it is a great addition to have a varied life experience and they will continue with their day careers.

“The only advice I’d give to people if they are considering signing up is do it.

“It takes a special kind of person to volunteer their time, but if you have the motivation, the need to make a difference and a cool head, then you will love it.”

Assistant Chief Constable of Essex Police, Sue Harrison, said: “Everyone has a skill they can contribute to improve the quality of their community, and the training and skills you will receive as a special constable are also transferable into your normal place of work.

l If you are interested in becoming a special constable, call Essex Special Constabulary on 01245 452277 or visit www.essex.police.uk/specials