From the Military to front-line policing

Off By Ed Hanna

Scott Caswell joined the Royal Military Police in 1992 and Served in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Kosovo.

Scott developed numerous transferable skills in the Military that prepared him well for his next role, as a police officer with Warwickshire Police. “Soldiers have to think outside of the box, make split-second life-changing decisions and need motivation and drive. All of these are attributes also required in policing” he says.

Since joining the force, Scott has spent almost 20 years as a firearms officer. As well as working on multiple high-profile events including the London 2012 Olympics and Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, his day-to-day role involves attending serious incidents (including road collisions) where he is able to provide enhanced life-saving first aid.

Scott never left Military life completely and has since returned as a Reservist in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) based in Coventry.

Supportive
As a full-time police officer and part-time Reservist, Scott feels he has the perfect balance. Having recently returned from a deployment to Germany, he said: “The force is incredibly supportive of my Reservist role.

We have a new entry route which doesn’t require you to hold or study for a degree, meaning there is now an even more streamlined way to join us.

If any ex-Forces colleagues are looking for their next challenge, I would definitely encourage them to join the police. Warwickshire Police has numerous officers and staff colleagues from a Forces background who have thrived in our organisation.

We may be a small force, but we’re incredibly passionate about supporting Veterans in all walks of life. This isn’t just an empty promise – we mean what we say.”

Warwickshire Police has signed the Armed Forces Covenant and holds a gold ERS award, which is the highest badge of honour available to organisations that employ and support those who Serve, as well as Veterans and their families.

Network
Scott is chairperson of the force’s Armed Forces staff network, and has recently supported national work by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs.

Scott also works with a local charity that offers support to local ex-Service personnel and their families. He’s completed multiple fundraising challenges for them, including walking 97 miles in 34 hours this summer, while carrying a 70lb Bergen rucksack.

His next challenge? Next year Scott wants to do the Three Peaks, while wearing a 70lb Bergen and a respirator. He is looking for a companion, should there be any willing volunteers?!