A Second Career in Service

After ten years with the Royal Engineers, Antonio Ciacci began a second career as a Police Community Support Officer with Nottinghamshire Police. Approaching 20 years in the role, he reflects on his military experience and serving his local community.

Which branch of the Armed Forces did you serve in?
I served in the Royal Engineers for ten years from 1996 until 2006, leaving as a Lance Corporal.

During my time, I served in Tidworth and Germany and ended my service at Waterbeach, near Cambridge. I was lucky enough to take part in several tours all over the world, including a six-month tour of the Falkland Islands and a four-month tour of Kenya.

What skills from the military did you bring to your role as a PCSO?
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Armed Forces and truly believe it set me up for the rest of my life.

I am an absolute stickler for timekeeping and whether this is because of my time in the Army or not, I am not sure, but it certainly helps me! Serving in the Army also enabled me to work as part of a team, and whilst I can work on my own initiative, I believe I thrived when part of a section, a troop and ultimately a regiment.

I believe this gave me a great advantage when I joined the police. Whilst I never felt I could take on the role of a police officer, the role of a PCSO appealed to me greatly.

I was a Postman in Retford at the time and became friends with a gentleman who served as a PCSO in Ordsall. He said I’d make a great PCSO, which encouraged me to apply. I was born and raised in Retford, so the idea of serving the community I reside in seemed the absolute perfect vocation for me.

Talk us through your role as a PCSO.
As a PCSO, I assist in a large variety of incidents but feel my strengths have always been in the community, whether that’s attending events, organising beat surgeries or just being a highly visible presence in the community I serve.

During my time, I saved a man’s life, and I managed to detain a burglar along a canal towpath, both of which I received Chief’s Commendations for which I am extremely proud of.

What are the benefits of working for Nottinghamshire Police?
I find working for the police gives me a great work-life balance. I look forward to coming to work every day, as well as spending time at home with my wife, Jill, and our foster dog, Tucker.

How will you be marking Remembrance Day?
I try to attend the service at Retford every year on the marketplace and, whilst I attend it on behalf of the police, I also feel as though it’s the perfect way for me to pay my respects to the fallen because of my connection to the Army.

What advice would you give to ex‑military personnel who are considering a career in policing?
For any ex-military personnel thinking of joining the police, it’s the perfect stepping stone to another wonderful career and, whilst it is different, in so many ways it is the perfect marriage as far as working goes.

You always remember your Army number for some reason – 24789555 was mine – but you will also always remember your collar number, 8255 for me.

I celebrate 20 years on 30 October this year and feel so lucky to have been in the force for such a long time. It has flown for sure, but I look forward to seeing out my working life in my present role, if I am lucky enough to do so.

For further information regarding opportunities with Nottinghamshire Police, please visit:
www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/careers