Special Constable Katie Williams hopes the skills and experience she’s developed during her professional career will help her support South Wales Police Federation members in her new role as a rep.
Katie is the first Special to become a South Wales Police Federation rep, taking on the post less than a year after joining the Force.
She brings with her 15 years of experience in financial services, where she manages teams, supports colleagues and deals with a range of workplace matters.
Special Constable Katie Williams with Dr Dale Cartwright, Chief Officer, South Wales Police Special Constabulary
“The environment is very different to policing, but many of the skills are transferable,” she said.
“I manage a team and work with people every day, while also navigating rules, regulations and policies.
“Although policing is physically very different, I’ve found that many of the thought processes and ways of working are quite similar, which surprised me.
Experience
“I have a wide range of experience, including dealing with policies, disciplinary matters and supporting colleagues, so when I heard about the Federation role it felt closely aligned with the duties I already carry out.”
Katie joined the Special Constabulary in July last year and has since worked across response policing, neighbourhood policing and a range of planned operations and events.
She said she enjoys the variety and unpredictability that policing offers.
Katie said: “One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that no two shifts are the same.
“You never know what you’re going to be dealing with, and that is something I really enjoy.
“The most rewarding part is being able to help people directly.
“I don’t work directly with the public in my day job, so being able to support people in the community and know you’ve made a difference is incredibly rewarding.”
Pandemic
Katie had first planned to join the Special Constabulary several years ago, but her application was delayed by the pandemic and then by changes in her career.
She said: “It’s always been something I’ve been interested in, and I eventually took the jump to apply because it felt like the right time.”
Katie has already received two awards since joining the Specials.
The first was the Student Choice Award on her passing out in November, which was voted for by her cohort for the support, encouragement and attitude towards the training environment.
And in March, Katie received the Rising Star Award for her contribution to policing so far.
When the opportunity arose to represent Specials through the Federation, Katie said it felt like a natural progression.
Volunteers
Having recently been appointed as a rep, Katie is now in the early stages of her induction, meeting branch colleagues and learning more about how the Federation supports its members.
She hopes to bring a fresh perspective as someone who volunteers alongside regular officers, rather than working in policing full-time.
She said: “Because I’m not employed by the police full-time, I hope people may feel comfortable talking to me.
“I’m still part of the organisation, but I also bring an independent perspective.
“Sometimes speaking to somebody who has experience outside the organisation can help people feel more at ease.”
Katie, who has a three-year-old son, described balancing family life, a full-time career, volunteering as a Special and taking on Federation responsibilities as ‘a juggle’.
Planning
She said careful planning, along with the support of her employer and family, makes it possible.
She said: “Organisation is really important, along with setting healthy boundaries and knowing when to switch off.
“Work is really supportive and I receive employer-supported policing time, which I’m very grateful for.”
As she settles into her new role, Katie hopes to become a trusted source of support for colleagues.
Katie said: “I’m still learning as a Special, but if I can use the experience I’ve gained in my career to support colleagues and make sure they know someone is there for them when they need help, then that is something I’m really happy to be able to do.”
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