Outside interest: volunteer police officer

Martyn Fulcher balances policing as a special inspector in his local community with his day job as planning and development operations manager at Ipswich Borough Council.

How did you get into policing?

I have always been interested in policing, with my great grandfather being a former Metropolitan Police officer. I considered joining the police before moving into to planning and always wondered if I'd chosen the right career. I felt that volunteering as an officer would give me an insight.

What does it involve?

I am committed to serving at least 16 hours a month together with any training that may be provided. In reality I average more than 40 hours a month. My main role at the moment is working alongside the public protection team and leading a team of volunteer officers in conducting warrants across the county. I also respond to 999 calls, police events such as Ipswich Town FC football matches and undertake general patrol work in the town and rural hinterland.

Why do you do it?

My day job involves taking care of the local built environment and I was just as keen to safeguard the people who live in the town. Being on patrol has arguably allowed me to better understand the geography of the place and how it functions.

What’s the toughest thing about it?

Police work can be mentally and physically draining and dealing with any loss of life is always the most difficult element of the work.

What’s the most rewarding thing about it?

Knowing that by volunteering my time somebody may feel safer or I might have prevented a crime or perhaps resolving a matter requiring intervention is rewarding.

Are there any similarities between your day job and policing?

Planning is about people. Policing is the same. Both require clarity of thought, reasoning, certainty of decision making to achieve a positive outcome. Similar pressures exist in relation to taking a decision that may change the life of another person, but you give your best for the community. 

Do you have any unusual interests or hobbies that you would like to tell us about? If so, please email planning@haymarket.com