Hampshire Constabulary

Pride in police volunteering for a special place to live

Press Releases

Published: 10/03/2011

An experienced Special Constable on the Isle of Wight is encouraging more people to volunteer to help keep their communities safe.

Rob Beverton is due to receive a long-service medal for his commitment to the Special Constabulary during a ceremony at Hampshire Constabulary’s Training Headquarters at Netley on Friday (March 11).


Rob became a Special Constable on the Isle of Wight in 1998 as a welcome transition from his previous military service and experience where he enjoyed similar camaraderie.

Rob works full-time for the police force as a member of civilian staff, and gives up a proportion of his time off to serve the community in uniform as a Special.

Rob said: “I think it’s very important for us all to give something back to society and make our island a safer place to live and work. There are times when you can make a difference as a volunteer, especially with younger people. I remember taking time out of a busy shift to sit down and talk things through with a young man who was fixated with wanting to take his own life. The youth approached me a fortnight later and personally thanked me for just taking the time to listen to him. I’d like to think there’s a lesson in this for all of us.”

During his time as a Special, Rob has been involved in policing road traffic collisions, domestic disputes, thefts and burglaries, whilst working alongside full-time colleagues on the beat.

His personal highlight was spotting a serial UK car thief in the Greek Islands. Rob’s proactive response enabled other police enquiries, leading to the recovery of several stolen vehicles, which had been shipped abroad for sale. The offender was later imprisoned. Rob also took part in a live TV broadcast of BBC One’s Crimewatch programme in the late 1990s when a sex offender was being investigated in the Southampton area. He was part of the team taking phone calls from members of the public during the live show. The suspect was later apprehended thanks to information prompted by the Crimewatch programme.

Rob added: “I work with excellent people and I feel proud to work alongside regular full-time officers by contributing to policing on the island, which after all is a very special place to live.”

For more information about how to become a Special Constable, go online to http://www.hampshire.police.uk/Internet/jobs/specialconstabulary/

There are 17 Special Constables serving on the Isle of Wight at the moment