A ROOKIE policeman was thrown in at the deep end - making his first arrest just hours after finishing his training.
Special Constable Chris Smith was fresh out of the classroom and straight into the world of frontline policing by slamming on the cuffs less than two days after being signed up by South Yorkshire Police.
Con Smith, part of the new Traffic Support Team, has only recently completed his training to use blue lights while driving a marked police car to stop people suspected of road traffic offences.
And last week he was out on patrol in the Balby area and used his lights to stop a Vauxhall Astra which was driving along Balby Road, in the direction of the A1 Warmsworth roundabout.
The vehicle was swerving across both lanes of the dual carriageway, causing other motorists to move to avoid being hit. The vehicle was stopped 100 yards from the A1.
He said: “This was only my second shift after passing my course and my first time out driving a marked police vehicle with my new found skills.
“In fact, it was my first ever blue light stop!
“It’s nice to be part of a Doncaster team which is committed to putting the right Special Constables on the right courses.
“It is clear the training works and the results have been instant. I’m proud to be a part of this team and committed to taking drivers who commit offences off our roads.”
The 49-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of being unfit to drive due to the effects of drugs or alcohol.
Supt Eddie Murphy said: “This is a great example of how the Special Constabulary works to help to protect the public of Doncaster. It shows that giving Specials training to carry out additional duties can quickly aid us in taking dangerous drivers off the roads, and helping make Doncaster a safer place.”
South Yorkshire Police are looking to recruit other Specials. Visit the South Yorkshire Police website.
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