Month: December 2025

Community at Christmas

Author Paul Williamson | Posted on

Our final UWE Bristol Policing blog for 2025 is proudly written by PC 999 Elf, who enjoyed the experience so much last year, he was desperate to repeat it this year. PC Elf would like to help our readers find their inner Christmas spirit at what can be a challenging time of year for many people, including police officers, staff and all those who care for them, as well as the people in the communities they serve.

Hello everyone! It’s great to be back out in public again after 11 months confined to a back-office role (i.e. the office drawer!). I’m really keen to get back out in the community and see what’s been going on this past year.

Right, before getting back on active duty, I had to undergo my annual fitness test. Being a part of the Elf Constabulary has its quirks, I have to say. Not only do I have to pass the bleep test, but I also have to wrap an awkward-shaped present in less than 30 seconds. And my annual PDR includes being measured on whether my ‘elf on the shelf’ initiatives are improving children’s behaviour in the runup to Christmas, as well as a presentation about how to take an evidence-based approach to which mince pie is the best, which is very messy 😊. But it’s all in day’s work for me! Just have to make sure I don’t sample too many of those mince pies so that I can still finish the bleep test!

Speaking of bleep tests, police recruitment and education in the Avon and Somerset area has really stepped up a gear in 2025. While recruitment is slightly down nationally, round these parts 10 cohorts on various police constable entry routes have joined Avon and Somerset. Of course they receive their police education at UWE, and this really shows how important collaboration and community are to achieving success. Working together produces something special. The collaboration has been so successful that a new 10-year-contract between UWE and Avon & Somerset Police was signed this year, helping to ensure that the area continues to produce such a high-quality policing workforce. Policing students at UWE really go above and beyond. One policing student even participated in Project Zulu, helping to deliver lessons about safeguarding in schools to pupils in South Africa. With this kind of drive, those policing students are going to need all the chocolate and mince pies they can lay their hands on this Christmas!

Community, whether home or abroad, is a key Christmas theme and something which policing has embraced. 2025 saw the launch of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee in England and Wales. UWE is supporting this with the development of a special Neighbourhood route for degree holder police recruits. But it starts closer to home, with all of us and our local communities, both at home and at work. Policing @ UWE is incredibly proud that the policing team was recently Highly Commended by UWE’s Vice Chancellor for the commitment they’ve displayed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Recognising everyone’s value and contribution is essential to social cohesion and healthy teams, including in the police. On the Elf squad, we have long known this – Christmas is a time when all mythical creatures must work together to get things done and ensure Santa is able to get his presents delivered across the world. Here I am with some of my fellow Christmas colleagues, the Gonks, who are responsible for protecting your homes (and letting Santa in if you don’t have a chimney).

We’ve all got our role to play to make sure Christmas runs smoothly and our communities remain as safe and happy as possible during this period. Spare a thought for the delivery drivers out there. Apparently Royal Mail delivered 188 million parcels over the Christmas period last year! That’s still not a patch on Santa, though, who delivers more than 500 million parcels in one night! (Siegel, 2021). This is why he needs those mince pies and cookies – it takes a lot of magical energy to keep that pace going. Anyway, coming back to teamwork, he couldn’t do it if it wasn’t for his army of elves and other magical creatures with their special skills, all working together in the background. It’s what you humans call multi-agency working.

Sadly, Christmas isn’t always full of cheer for everyone. This year Bristol reported the highest number of homeless people in the South West. The Charity Shelter report 4390 people in the city will be experiencing Christmas on the streets (Shepard, 2025). For others, the cost-of-living crisis is overwhelming, but help is on its way. Operation Community Hamper CIO has been putting together wonderful food hampers with help from UWE and some amazing volunteers, including one of our own, Senior Lecturer Dom McVeigh and his wonderful family.

Everyone can contribute something to make Christmas better. A small act of kindness can have as much of an impact on an individual as a big, bold corporate gesture.  A hot drink or sausage roll for someone who is homeless can mean so much.

It is always a busy time for the emergency services, Avon and Somerset Police launched their annual Christmas drink and drug driving campaign earlier this month, making 62 arrests in the first week (Avon and Somerset, 2025). That’s on top of all the crimes they are investigating as normal, making for a busy workload. Some of the incidents my human colleagues deal with can be traumatic and we ask you to spare a thought for these unsung heroes just doing their daily jobs. Please, don’t drink/drug drive!

Here on the Elf squad, we’re trying to do our bit too. We might be famous for our sense of mischief and fun, but we’re also hard workers (we have to be to get all those presents ready for Santa). Me and some of my colleagues have been applying for different roles to help out, from squad van driver to motorcycle team and even the mounted (reindeer) division…

Well, things to do, elves to see…but from us to you, our serving police officers (and elves) and all Blue light services, we wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and safe New Year.

PC 999 Elf …

(Ably assisted and authored by Associate Directors Sarah Williams and Anne Eason).

Avon and Somerset Police (2025) News of fatal collisions is not a Christmas message we want to deliver | Avon and Somerset Police

Motor Transport (2025) Christmas parcel deliveries boost Royal Mail revenue ahead of £3.6bn sale to Czech billionaire | Motor Transport

Shepard, G. (2025) Bristol records highest homeless rate in South West, Bristol Live Bristol records highest homeless rate in South West | Bristol Live

Siegel, E. (2021) This is How Santa Claus Can Deliver Presents to the Entire World in One Night. Forbes [online] 10 December. Available online at: This Is How Santa Claus Can Deliver Presents To The Entire World In One Night

Editorial Team

Paul Williamson (Editor-in-Chief); Claudia McCready (Lecturer); Claire Bowers (Senior Lecturer); Eve Smietanko (Joint Programme Leader & Senior Lecturer) and Ian Lowe (Senior Lecturer).

UWE Policing Book Club: Third Edition.

Author claudiamccready | Posted on

With the festive season fast approaching, and those last-minute gift requests flying around, we thought why not publish a further edition of the UWE Policing Book Club…  

Spoiler alert: this one is for the non-fiction fans!

Join Mike, Brian, Paul and Ian as they share a few of their top reads from this year. Whether you are planning to switch off over Christmas or are working in the vital services that keep everything running, we hope you find a moment to enjoy a great book.

Mike Griffiths recommends ‘Black Box Thinking’, by Matthew Syed.

Black box thinking is a concept popularised by Matthew Syed, which involves learning from mistakes and failures to improve future performance. I came upon this book some time ago and I was interested in the cross over between completely different aspects of commerce and industry, such as hospitals and the world of aviation. My interest stemmed from the fact that my father worked in the aircraft industry in the 1950s, a time of great innovation but at the same time, plenty of disasters, such as the D.H. Comet mark 4.

As I read it, I saw a direct relevance to modern day policing where mistakes can have serious consequences, including loss of public trust and safety issues. Black box thinking, would encourage police officers to analyse errors systematically, much like aviation industry investigators who analyse flight data after an incident. By examining what went wrong and why, police can identify patterns and underlying issues that need addressing. This process helps to prevent similar mistakes in the future, thereby improving overall effectiveness and reliability. Black box thinking aligns well with evidence-based policing, which uses data and research to inform practices and policies.

Outline of an airplane taking off.

I think that if we introduced a more detailed examination of policing practices, as Matthew Syed suggests, we could greatly improve policing.

“When people don’t interrogate errors, they sometimes don’t even know they have made one (even if they suspect they may have).” – Matthew Syed

Brian Clifford recommends ‘The Forgotten Slave Trade’, by Simon Webb.

This book explores the slave trade starting with slavery in the ancient world and widens the reader’s knowledge of this subject across the world. A century before Britain became involved in the transatlantic slave trade it was involved in the wider slave trade. Some of what the reader will discover may challenge current thinking and understanding of this subject.

Most people are aware that Bristol was a major centre for the transatlantic slave trade in the eighteenth century but hardly anyone knows that 1000 years earlier it had been an important staging post in the slave trade of English slaves to Africa.

This book highlights how slavery cuts across all cultures, races and religions. This book will change the way you view the slave trade and show that many commonly held beliefs about this controversial subject are almost wholly inaccurate and mistaken.  

This book does not seek to lessen the impact of this terrible trade. Instead, it highlights how widespread the practice has been and that virtually all parts of the world have both practiced and been affected by slavery.

I have sometimes struggled to find time to read but in recent years I have always enjoyed the learning and entertainment reading provides. More recently I have used the hour drive home from campus to listen to audiobooks. I find this a good way to unwind and reset after a busy day and make use of what may be considered unproductive time. While I enjoy a good thriller the opportunity to learn something new is always welcome. This book has done that.

Paul Williamson recommends ‘How to Strangle a Jelly’, by Les King.

How to Strangle a Jelly is a compelling and often humorous exploration of communication through the lens of a remarkable 50-year career spanning policing, probation and university lecturing. Les brings to life a wide range of experiences, from operational briefings and courtroom encounters to university lectures and wedding speeches, showing how the right words, delivered the right way, can inform, persuade, console, and even protect lives.

I had the privilege of working with Les earlier in my policing career, and I learned a great deal from his natural, people-centred style of communication. He had a remarkable ability to put people at ease, whether they were victims, colleagues, complainants or suspects. That same authenticity and calm confidence runs right through this book.

Now, as a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader in Policing and Criminology, I see even more clearly the value of what Les models so well, communication that is grounded, purposeful, and human. One of my favourite moments in the book involves a lesson he learned on a sergeants’ course about the power of effective briefings—a reminder of how much thought and preparation goes into good leadership communication.

Key Takeaways

  • Communication is not just a technical skill—it’s an evolving, reflective practice.
  • People respond best to communicators who are authentic, emotionally intelligent, and adaptable.
  • Les’s blend of storytelling and practical models makes this book a great read for anyone working in policing, education, or public service.
  • It is often the everyday interactions, not just the high-pressure moments, that define your effectiveness as a communicator.

How to Strangle a Jelly is thoughtful, funny, sometimes sombre and profoundly practical. Whether you are a new policing recruit or decades in, there is something in this book for everyone who wants to connect more meaningfully with others.

Bonus chapters – Ian Lowe recommends…

If you like ‘Black Box Thinking’ by Matthew Syed, Ian Lowe also recommends ‘Outliers’ by Malcolm Gladwell and ‘Peak’ by Robert Pool & Anders Erricson.

I can’t help it; Sorry. I have to push the boundaries, bend the rules. Which might be why I like the above books.

I read them all reasonably close to each other. Each one in its own right is worthy of reading (see Anne Eason’s recommendation for Black Box Thinking). However, if you take the time to read all three, you gain a greater level of perspective on the subject matter.

For example: All three books discuss the now infamous, it takes 10000 hours of practice at anything to become an expert. Well Peak invented this rule, although it is actually. It takes 10000 hours of deliberate practice. Which is a very specific type of practice. Outliers simplified it and made it famous and that is how most of us have heard of it. Blackbox thinking applies it further and in new ways.

I suppose what I am saying is read. Our thoughts and ideas are made from the content that we consume, so make that content the best quality that we can.

Editorial Team

Paul Williamson (Editor-in-Chief); Claudia McCready (Lecturer); Claire Bowers (Senior Lecturer); Eve Smietanko (Senior Lecturer) & Ian Lowe (Senior Lecturer).

If you would like to be a guest blogger, please contact Police.Blog@uwe.ac.uk

Please feel free to leave a comment below which will be shared with the contributors.

Final Focus inside UWE Bristol’s Professional Policing Degree & Special Constabulary

Author Paul Williamson | Posted on

In the final instalment of this blog series, we meet Trinni, a UWE Bristol Professional Policing Degree (PPD) student who has combined her studies with volunteering as a Special Constable with Avon and Somerset Police. From her first open evening at UWE to completing over 650 hours on response shifts, Trinni shares how the PPD has helped her build confidence, understand police powers in practice, and confirm that policing is the career for her.

Discovering the Professional Policing Degree

To join the police, you need a degree and when I attended a UWE open evening, this course was shown to me. Even when I was younger, I have always said that I wanted to be a police officer, so I was very keen to join. I wanted to do CID originally when I joined the degree because I thought I was too small be an officer but after specialling, I have come to the conclusion that I do in-fact want to be an officer.

This PPD course has helped with my understanding of offences and powers. It has also helped with my decision making on shift.

Gaining Experience through the Special Constabulary

I was made aware about the Special Constabulary by our Programme Leader Christian during the first year of university. This allowed us time to prepare to apply during the second year. I wanted to gain experience on shift (try before you buy) to make sure that this is what I really want to do. I also wanted to be able to put what I learnt at university into action.

In terms of the online National Sift, I found that this process is a little confusing in the way that it can fail you on your decisions of you as a person. I find that it’s a harsh way to stop people from applying due to not giving the answers they want when technically there shouldn’t be a right or wrong answer. My top tip is to take your time when answering and ensure that you definitely read the questions correctly. 

The application process is straight forward as in they communicate the next steps and dates for things really well. The recruitment process is a LARGE commitment, from the interview, the training and after when you are on shift. I am very proud to be a Special and it is one of the best experiences. For the interview, they allow you 10 mins before to plan your answers to the questions (they also allow extra time/ coloured paper if you have any additional needs). The fitness test is more mind over matter, and you only have to run to 5.4 on the beep test. Try not to stress about it too much, you can redo it if needs be (same with the interview). The health screening was also simple, the drugs test is a small part of your hair cut, and your mouth swabbed. The hearing and sight test were over within minutes.

Training, Teamwork and Learning on the Job

The initial training provided by Avon and Somerset Police (ASP) is limited to only 6 weekends, so be prepared to feel as though you are not ready when you start but speak with your tutor and don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you are willing to get stuck in, then your team will have no complaints. The training I believe is now changing to 10 weekends. The training was great fun, and you make some very good connections with other people.

I trained along a wide range of people, some who had full time jobs and wanted to do something else alongside. Others had been officers before and wanted to come back without the shift pattens. Some didn’t have A levels so were using this as a way to be involved in policing and hopefully join full time after. Some worked in police departments and wanted to see another side of policing. Most people were doing it as a try before you buy. Some workplaces have signed up to allow paid time off to people who are specials, allowing them more opportunities to go on shift.  There were no differences in motivation or background between me and other recruits, and everyone seemed just as motivated to be there. People were always willing to help one another when they got stuck. You grow some lovely bonds with people.

Applying Classroom Knowledge to Real Situations

The Professional Policing Degree has helped me with understanding our powers and offences. It gives you a foundation, but there is still so much to learn when you become an officer. The training provided by ASP for special’s is more practical, it teaches you ways to defend yourself, how to write reports, some of the offences and what powers officers have. Alongside uni you learn a lot, and I feel as though you really start learning on the job.  Most areas you learn quick on the job, after doing it for some time you realise jobs are very similar in the sense of how you deal with it (questions asked/ actions taken) and it just changes with the situation. I found that I knew the caution very well when I started but I also felt initially overwhelmed. It’s not until you get to doing an actual job that you really start learning (I am a visual learner though).

Looking Ahead

When I graduate, I hope to join back to Patchway Team 4 Response, as I have grown a very good bond with my team (I have around 650 hours since the start of the year, I average around 4-6 shifts a set, a set is 6 shifts – so I’m in a lot). I have really enjoyed response despite how stressful the job is (the paperwork is also a lot). I’m hoping to get my independent patrol status before I join as I will then join on a higher pay bracket (I’m currently finishing tier 2, on tier 3, after tier 3 you get your independence). I can apply to join full-time in January as they go off predicted grades, but you have to graduate the same year.

For now, I wish to stay in response as I am very much enjoying it. I then think I want to join firearms. I don’t have much of an interest in traffic and CID is something I will investigate when I’m older. I enjoy going out on the initial jobs and I hope to keep developing as an officer and gain as many skills as I can. I really hope to get response and taser trained.

Advice for Future Applicants

If you are wanting to join the police or are not sure if you should this is defiantly something to consider. It’s an amazing opportunity and allows you to understand policing and put what you have learnt to good use. It also looks good on your CV and will allow your connections to be able to see what route you really wish to follow. If specialling seems too much, then I definitely recommend signing up for a ride along. This will allow you to see policing before you even apply to be a special. I do not regret my decision at all; it’s defiantly a big commitment but it has been worth it. I have seen myself grow as a person and I am very proud of some of the jobs I have done.

This role has also shown me how much the police actually deal with. Response officers not only go to the 999 calls, but they also carry case files that they need to progress with witness statements, interviews and more. It’s defiantly a hard going job with not only the job being demanding but the workload to. The number of officers does not meet the demand, so if police take longer to get to jobs than first thought its due to the this and officers being swept off their feet. It’s definitely a rewarding job and the bond you build with your team is very strong. There’s a lot more to policing then just officers in uniform driving around.

We would like to thank Trinni, Cece and Harvey for their honest and inspiring look at student life on the PPD at UWE Bristol during this series.

Anyone interested in applying for the PPD can find out more information here

If you are also interested in joining the Special Constabulary, you can find out more information here

Editorial Team

Paul Williamson (Editor-in-Chief); Claudia McCready (Lecturer); Claire Bowers (Senior Lecturer); Eve Smietanko (Joint Programme Leader & Senior Lecturer) and Ian Lowe (Senior Lecturer).

If you would like to be a guest blogger, please contact Police.Blog@uwe.ac.uk

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