A few months back I was appointed the DLO (District/Divisional Liaison Officer) of Brighton & Hove Special Constabulary
I would just like to introduce myself on here and for those joining Sussex Police, a brief description of my role as the DLO
Firstly though; My Name is Michael Thorn, but everyone (and I mean pretty much everyone) calls me Alan! Confused? Not half as much as I am!
I am a Special Constable, I joined in 2009 and went through the initial training at Slaugham Manor, went on to Brighton PDU and found myself at NPT in John Street Police Station in central Brighton.
My role as DLO is not an authoritative one, Im just just like yourself except that I probably have more emails to reply to.
I will happily answer any questions you have about coming to the Brighton Division or if you are already here... any question you can think of about PDU/Section/Training/Duty etc.
Of course, now and again not everything is as plain sailing as we would like, again I'm here (and at the end of a phone) to speak to about anything and in confidence. Thats not to say that you shouldn't speak to your line supervisors/sergeants about problems or issues, but sometimes it good to speak with another Special that has been through the same process as yourself and that know the appropriate people; particularly when you start out, some people feel intimidated to speak higher ranking officers about certain subjects.
Myself, SC Dan Soderholm (Deputy DLO) and SC Gary Foster (Deputy DLO) usually try to come to Slaugham near the start of initial training to say hi in person. This is great as it gives us an opportunity to tell you what it is really like serving as a Special serving in Brighton and what you can expect (most people are very surprised at how involved you will be).
You may see us about a few times during the course (particularly near the smoking area). Dan usually operates the radio during scenario day (at the end of the course) and I often act as a 'baddy' in the scenarios
We have our own official force Facebook page too 'Brighton Specials'
Over the coming months we will be holding meetings that all Specials are invited to. They will be held in Brighton and act as an open forum and gives me opportunity to feedback to the Specials Review (the Special Constabulary is currently being reviewed to see how things can be improved). Its also a good opportunity to meet colleagues.
For Specials that have gained their IP (independent Patrol) status, we will also be holding a workshop where a guest PC/Sgt will help brush-up on topics and legislation and FPNs.
Any questions or if you just want to make contact; post here or email my force account michael.thorn@sussex.pnn.police.uk or alan.thorn@brighton.specials.sc which I can access from outside the force computers.
Alan/Michael Thorn
Brighton & Hove DLO
Edited by elloelloello, 26 November 2011 - 10:21 PM.
