Cumbria Constabulary is always recruiting new staff across the county, including Carlisle.

We've been speaking to officers to find out more about the jobs in the Cumbria Constabulary.

This week we asked a Special Chief Inspector in Carlisle what his career in Policing is like:

Name: Lee Grieves

Job title: Special Chief Inspector, North Territorial Policing Area

Age: 33

Where are you from and where do you work?

I'm from Carlisle and am now based at Durranhill Police Station here in the city.

How long have you done the job?

I have been in the special constabulary just over 9 years and have been Special Chief Inspector for North Cumbria for around 4 years.

Take us through a typical day.

I guess it’s a cliché that there isn’t such a thing as a typical day, which makes my role varied and interesting!

I can honestly say becoming a special is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences I have ever made.

A part of my role is to ensure that the special constabulary in North Cumbria provide an effective additional support to the regular force.

This can be to support tackling of local community issues or at times of emergency.

Underpinning this is ensuring regular area training is delivered, welfare and ensuring that we can respond to requests for service both reactively and proactively to support tackling local community problems and issues.

I usually work various evenings during the week and at weekends which includes operational policing, training, planning and supporting policing operations and activity across North Cumbria.

I also regularly get out on patrol in the community targeting local community issues, disrupting criminal activity to responding to routine and emergency calls for service.

When on duty I usually arrive at the police station about 30 minutes before my duty start time.

I collect and check my personal protective equipment and put my equipment on.

I then book on duty and either receive a briefing or self-brief to identify any areas for concern and if my support is needed somewhere specifically.

I then develop my intelligence led patrol plan, collect my kit bag, check the police vehicle I will be using for my tour of duty before heading out on patrol.

We also have regular training and development which ensures that we are up to date with changes in practice and updates to powers and legislation.

What do you like most about your work?

Helping people.

I love the fact that I am providing a service to the public and where I am in a privileged position to be able to be able to actually solve local community problems and I know I am doing my bit to make my community safer, making a change and real difference.

I also like the fact that no two duties are the same and police work provides a wide range of variety.

I also have developed skills, knowledge and qualifications including leadership and change management through the College of Policing which I have been able to take back to my day role to further develop my civilian career.

What jobs have you done previously?

I have been involved and worked across the county supporting a range of events and incidents across Cumbria.

This includes leading on an operation to reduce bicycle thefts in Carlisle to supporting the policing of Kendal Calling and Appleby Fair.

I volunteered my time to support the policing of the Olympic torch relay in 2012, supporting the rescue efforts and reassurance patrols during the Cockermouth floods in 2009 and more recently Carlisle in 2015.

I also volunteered my time to provide additional support during the riots in 2012 to provide additional high visibility policing presence, prevent incidents and to reassure the community.

What qualifications or experience do you need in your position?

As a special constable you don’t need any formal qualifications but a good sound education is essential and keeping fit for the role.

What is a typical salary for your job?

My specials role is totally voluntary and I don’t get paid, however, we can claim out of pocket expenses.

Do you have any advice for people wanting to get into your profession?

The best advice would be to gain experience in a people facing environment.

Research and find out about the role you are applying for and chat with officers and finally submit your application to come and join us!

With varied and exciting opportunities in Policing becoming available on a regular basis, be sure to head to the Cumbria Police recruitment site for more information on the latest opportunities:

https://www.cumbria.police.uk/Recruitment/Recruitment.aspx