High-speed pursuits, being pelted with bricks and bottles and being thanked by the public for keeping them safe — it’s all in a day’s work for Special Constable Kathrine Tremayne.

The 20-year-old has racked up the most voluntary hours so far this year in the Nottinghamshire force.

Her total of around 1,000 is the highest out of any of the force’s 170 special constables.

Kathrine, of Mansfield, combines her policing duties while a full-time student at Nottingham Trent University. She is studying a policing degree and also works at Mansfield Town Football Club on match days.

She said she loves the thrills, the camaraderie and the experience that frontline policing offers.
Kathrine, who is based at Oxclose Lane Police Station, Nottingham, has worked with frontline response officers, as well as the Gedling proactive team.

“There are so many thrills in policing. I’ve lost count how many blue light runs I’ve been on and being in a car driving at high speeds, it’s so exciting,” she said.

“You’re going at that speed, whilst talking to officers and working how we are doing to handle the incident you are attending. A real thrill.

“There is no role like it. One day you’re in a high speed pursuit, the next you are getting sworn at by criminals and the next you could be being thanked for doing such a great job!

“It’s not all smiles though. I was part of a team asked to go to Netherfield following a report that a group of people were drinking and not social distancing themselves. I was in the police van and it all seemed pretty calm at first, then we heard this big smash and we got a call from colleagues that the group were throwing all sorts at the vehicles. Glass bottles, bricks, whatever they could get their hands on.

“It was terrifying, but we were delighted with the result in the end. At one point we had more than 20 cops there, including dog officers.”

She added: “I’m fortunate that I get to have time working as a Special as part of my university course and I relish it really.

“I’m not your typical Uni student! I don’t like drinking and going out every night, in fact I’d rather do a shift with response colleagues and look after those drunk students on an evening.

“The role has allowed me to get out the house during lockdown and I’ve taken that opportunity with both hands. I’ve learnt so much from my fellow officers and I absolutely love it. I wouldn’t have done nearly 1,000 hours if I didn’t enjoy it, but it’s honestly like having a second family and I love spending time with them.

“I’m so proud that I’ve been able to give so many hours to the force. It’s given me the experience I need for my future career.

“I’ve done a lot of shifts out on response. I’ve gone to a lot of incidents and helped members of the public when they are most at need.”

Kathrine has been volunteering for the force since October 2019, which she admits is something she’s been dreaming of since a child.

“I’ve always had an interest in the police since I was about 11 and can never see myself doing anything else,” she added.

“I knew I wanted to work for the police after seeing mounted officers in Nottingham city centre at a St George’s parade.

“They were incredibly dressed, immaculate and they were engaging with people. Really friendly, but authoritative. They caught my eye and ever since the role has been in my role.”

As well as her response duties, Kathrine has enjoyed working with the proactive team, which seeks out crime to stop criminals in the night.

She is one of eight volunteers who has worked hundreds of hours tackling crime in Gedling, including arresting drunk drivers, seizing cannabis plants and removing illegal vehicles in the area.

“The team stop a lot of cars, which helps us detect crime,” she continued. “One incident that stands out was a drugs job.

“There was a large amount of cannabis and money found in a vehicle as well as an offensive weapon.

“Three men were arrested and three search warrants were approved and carried out by the proactive specials team. It was a very difficult job, with a great result too. It was a new experience for me too, as I’d never been involved in a job like that from start to finish.

“It was quite stressful dealing with three offenders at the same time, but we worked well as a team to make sure they were dealt with correctly.”

Kathrine hopes to join the force full-time in the near future after completing her degree.

She added: “My main aim is to eventually join the force as a regular police constable and being a SC has given me a fantastic insight into that future career.

“The force offers such a wide range of opportunities for anyone. It’s a bit like a community within the job. There are so many job opportunities within the force you can never get bored.

“Being a SC has helped me as a person to understand what the role of a police officer is without the commitment of a full time role. Being a Special means you can move to different teams, work with different people and be more in control of your time.

“I’m able to engage with colleagues and members of the public, all be it two meters away currently, but it beats the confines of a student flat during lockdown. I get the experience I want for my career and the skills I have developed can be further improved on by doing so many hours.”

Superintendent Suk Verma, lead for citizens in policing at Nottinghamshire Police, has been hugely impressed with her input this year.

He said: “Not everyone would go above and beyond like SC Tremayne has, so that makes her a ‘special’ special.

“We are very fortunate to have someone who dedicates so much time to the force and their local community.

“I’ve never been prouder of our Special Constables.

“Time and time again, our Special Constables are putting themselves on the line in order to keep others safe during this outbreak.

“It’s absolutely fantastic that the Special Constabulary is here to support and its times like this which completely reinforce how lucky we are to have this resource and make you feel proud to be a member of the police force.”

To learn more about a career with the force visit www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/careers