Carl's special journey to being a South Yorkshire Police officer

Carl Bree, who joined South Yorkshire Police’s cadets as a teenager, will join the team at Main Street station after completing four months’ training.

He became a special in 2007, at the age of 20 — progressing to be a special sergeant and special chief inspector.

He balanced his voluntary police roles with working a CCTV monitoring officer at Sheffield Council but has now opted to join the force full time.

Carl (pictured) said: “Being a special gave me an insight into the world of policing and also helped me decide whether it was the job for me.

“From an outside perspective policing can be all about flying around on blue lights and arresting people.

“I gained knowledge about the parts you don’t see, and also gained skills that will help me and continue throughout my career.”

Special constables have the same powers as regular officers. They wear the same uniform and protective kit and volunteer a minimum of 16 hours a week.

Carl was named special of the year in the Rotherham District Awards and will collect his award at a ceremony at New York Stadium on March 11.

He will now complete 16 weeks’ training at Robert Dyson House in Wath before joining his colleagues at Main Street.

Chief Officer Stephen Merrett said: “Carl has been a valued member of South Yorkshire Police as a volunteer and he now transfers his learning and knowledge into becoming a regular police constable.

“He is an outstanding individual who has excelled and has made a tangible difference to the special constabulary in Rotherham. We all wish him well in his new vocation.”

•  A specials recruitment event takes place at the Niagara Conferencing Centre, Sheffield, on March 5 from 6pm to 8pm. 

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