PW_2_2024

Professional Development

42 Years Service in the Special Constabulary Lorraine Woolley MBE I joined the Met Special Constabulary (MSC) in 1970, at a time when women were not integrated into the police service. I started at Hendon, where I reached Special Sergeant rank . Policing London in the 70’s, meant we were often called to suspected IRA packages, which we opened (cautiously), rather than feel a fool by After promotion to Special Inspector, I moved to Barnet, covering four stations and their specials. I became a Self-defence Instructor for women, and participated in First Aid Competitions.

calling out the Bomb Squad. I was once first on scene when a bomb went off, fortunately no one was hurt. I policed many events at Wembley Stadium, including Live Aid and international football matches.

Three years after my move to Barnet division, I became the Area Special Commandant’s Deputy at Kingsbury. Two years later, I was promoted to Special Commandant, in charge of Specials in the north east and east. As Commandant, I implemented an MSC Welfare Officer Support service. This was a group of impartial officers from all ranks, that any MSC officer with problems could go to. I was instrumental in getting MSC officers involved in policing Arsenal Football Stadium, which became regular practice. In 1996, I was promoted to Deputy Chief Commandant, based at New Scotland Yard. During this time, I was invited to the Queens Garden Party, introduced to (then) Prince Charles and honoured with an MBE at Buckingham Palace, presented by Queen Elizabeth. I also volunteered for Sir Johns Stevens charity in Romania, and spent nine years helping with projects including; building a hospital for people with HIV and renovating an old Peoples home. I was presented with an award by the Romanian IPA and the local Mayor. In 2007 I was promoted to Special Chief Officer, for which I felt very honoured. I was self-employed and decided to retire to concentrate on doing the best for the MSC. As a volunteer police officer throughout my service, I was always concerned for our officer’s welfare, which I tried to improve. I always tried to help officers if they had difficulties. Balancing a working, family and volunteering life is not easy, and with it brings many demands. People ask how many arrests I have made. My answer is always, “I have helped more people than I have arrested”. I am very proud of the dedicated, committed, and skilled volunteers who contribute a great deal to the policing of London. This was demonstrated at the Royal Wedding and the Olympic / Paralympic Games, seeing our Specials interacting with the crowds, displaying; professionalism, dedication and good humour. In 2012, with the MSC at just over 6,000 officers, I decided to retire and let someone younger take over the role. In 42 years, I worked approximately 84,000 hours of voluntary service for the MET. I was invited as a guest at Westminster Abbey, to celebrate 100 Years of Women in Policing. Now, in retirement I still volunteer. I am a Trustee & Support Group Leader for a health Charity: Trigeminal Neuralgia Association. After nine months fostering for the Dogs Trust, I just adopted our last foster dog. I spend a lot of time travelling and meeting new people, thanks to the IPA, which I joined in 1974. In 1975, I decided to drive through Europe on my own. Though I had concerns, I knew that IPA Colleagues from other countries would be there to help. I am still a member, and have enjoyed the social aspects and opportunities to engage and learn from fellow members, here and abroad. I have hosted officers from abroad, and been to see them in their country ,learning about their experiences.

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POLICE WORLD Vol 69 No.2, 2024