Khurram Ashraf – one of our ‘Special’ colleagues
Khurram Ashraf is one of our Crime Desk Officers in Force Contact. He got his first taste of policing working in Detained Property, and alongside both roles he also works as a Special Constable
We’re proudly celebrating the passion and dedication of Khurram and showing the variety of roles in which you can join us and make a real difference.
I always wanted a role where I could genuinely help people and make a difference within community. Policing stood out to me because no two days are the same, and it give you the opportunity to support people during some of the most difficult moments in their lives.
Working in Detained Property taught me the importance of professionalism, attention to detail and accountability. It also helped me understand the investigative side of policing and how important evidence handling and procedures are within the criminal justice process.
I wanted to develop my communication skills further and be more directly involved in helping members of the public. Force Contact gave me the opportunity to deal with a wide range of incidents, support vulnerable people, and learn how policing decisions are made in fast-paced situations.
The best thing is knowing that even small actions or conversations can make a positive difference to someone’s day or situation. I also enjoy the teamwork and the fact that you are constantly learning and developing. The ever-changing pace of work and adapting to demand keep it interesting.
It’s been one and half years since I became Special Constable. I became a Special because I wanted to gain frontline experience, challenge myself and contribute more directly to policing and the community. It also gave me the opportunity to better understand operational policing while continuing to develop personally and professionally.
A common misconception is that Specials only assist with basic tasks. In reality, Specials are trained officers who take on real responsibilities, support frontline policing and play an important role within the force and wider community.
Thanks to SLT, Specials are not just limited to NHT or Response duties - they are also opportunities to work in CID, DRONES, and many other departments.
I’ve been involved in responding to incidents, supporting neighbourhood policing, engaging with the public, conducting vehicle stops and assisting regular officers with a variety of policing duties. The role gives great exposure to different areas of policing and helps build confidence and decision-making skills.
Every incident you attend stays with you in different ways - some as positive memories and others as learning experiences that help you grow as an officer.
Being a Special has improved my confidence, communication and understanding of operational policing, legislation which helps me better understand incidents and the challenges officers face on the frontline.
My goal is to continue developing within policing and progress further into investigative policing. I’m keen to continue learning, building experience, and exploring different opportunities within WMP. If there is further volunteer work available which can enhance my opportunities in learning and developing investigative skills.
Specials and volunteers bring dedication, different experiences, and valuable support to the force. They strengthen the connection between policing and the community and show the positive impact people can make when they give their time to help others.
I’d encourage anyone considering any volunteering role to go for it. It’s a rewarding experience that helps you grow in confidence, develop valuable skills, and make a genuine difference within the community. You learn a lot about yourself and gain experiences that stay with you for life.