From Sydney to Southwick. Meet Lauren Brook, one of our special constables who flies all over the world with her full-time job and volunteers for #Team NP in her spare time.
n her full-time role, Lauren works as cabin crew for British Airways, based out of Heathrow, which takes her across the globe – a stark difference to chasing after suspects in Sunderland.
Lauren insists she finds both of her roles equally as rewarding. On her days off, she travels back up North, dons her police uniform, and helps keep the North East as safe as it possibly can be.
Lauren’s journey with the Force began whilst studying Criminology at degree level at university. In an aim to tie her theoretical studies with her voluntary work, Lauren decided to become a special – and down the years her policing adventure perfectly complimented her education.
The globe-trotting volunteer usually works from Southwick Police Station, but no two days are ever the same. Having completed additional training, Lauren can now work as part of several teams across the Force, and recently has even completed a three-week response driving course.
Hear what Lauren had to say…
What do you like most about the role?
I love the variety this role brings me, I am always out and about meeting new people and attending events I wouldn’t normally be able to go to, such as the Great North Run.
Even when I went from my degree into full-time work, I wanted to continue being a member of the Northumbria Police family. I’ve made so many friends and had some fantastic experiences and I won’t be giving that up any time soon.
What would you say to someone thinking about joining the Special Constabulary?
I would say, if you’ve ever had an interest in joining the police, but have a full-time job, you can still make it work just like I have as a Special Constable. If I do it with my lifestyle, I’m sure you can give it a go!
Are you ready to do something different after your 9-5 and become a Special Constable like Lauren? Find out more about our volunteering opportunities on our careers website.
