80-year-old "the very best of public service" as he celebrates 50 years volunteering with Special Constabulary
Ken Avery, 80, celebrates 50 years of service with the Special Constabulary, having first volunteered in 1973
An 80-year-old man who has spent over half of his life volunteering for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary joined the celebrations for the 195th anniversary of the force.
Ken Avery is a Special Ambassador, for the Special Constabulary - a voluntary police force, where volunteers have the same legal powers as police constables.
He first started as a Special Constable more than 50 years ago, joining the force in 1973 after spotting a sign on the door of his local police station. This makes him the longest serving volunteer on the force.
“I never imagined that after seeing that poster on the police station door, I’d still be here fifty years later,” said Mr Avery.
“I remember handing in my application, it was just a thin leaflet, and the inspector checked I could read, write and was in good health.”
Reflecting on his early days, Ken recalls a very different era of policing: “I remember handing in my application, it was just a thin leaflet, and the inspector checked I could read, write and was in good health. We didn’t need qualifications, but we did need two references. My uniform was second hand and quite tatty, and I even had to sew the collars back on myself!”
His first posting was to Cowplain Police Station, which was a converted house with no radios, mobile phones or computers and his first shift saw him walk into town where he was to use a payphone to call the station if anything happened.
That first shift quickly became memorable: “As I reached the local pub, a big fight broke out. I had to choose between running a mile and a half to the nearest phone box or stepping in. I grabbed the biggest one and luckily the rest stopped. That sort of thing happened several times over the years!”
This was just the beginning for Ken; his memories span everything from pursuits, bank robberies and collisions.
Ken rose through the ranks, becoming Section Officer (equivalent to Sergeant) and later Sub‑Division Officer (Inspector equivalent), overseeing around 40 Specials in Portsmouth. He organised policing for major events, supported operations, and took part in large‑scale multi‑agency exercises.
His commitment has also brought personal moments of pride and gratitude including a tea party at Buckingham Palace, a personal phone call from former Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney while he was recovering from a broken leg, and surprise birthday celebrations organised by his colleagues for both his 70th and 80th birthdays.
Throughout the years, Mr Avery has received many recognitions for his work, including the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s New Year Honours for services to policing and the community in 2019.
Chief Constable Alexis Boon said: “Ken embodies the very best of public service. His dedication, leadership and kindness has shaped generations of Specials and strengthened policing across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We are immensely grateful for his fifty years of service.”
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Special Constabulary celebrated their 195th anniversary with an event held at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton on Saturday, July 18.
Over the last year, the forces’ 131 Special Constables have delivered more than 43,000 hours of policing, the equivalent of almost 21 full‑time police officers.
“If someone is thinking about becoming a Special, I’d say give it a try. There are so many opportunities now, roads policing, marine unit, CID. Today is the most exciting time to join,” said Mr Avery.