Special Supt retires after 41 years with police

A Special Supt who joined the police after making a citizen's arrest during a night out is retiring as a volunteer after 41 years.

Back in 1983, Howard Rayner's potential was spotted by the attending PC who suggested he joined the Special Constabulary in Essex.

Since then, the 68-year-old's "exceptional public service" in Chelmsford and Braintree has seen him receive a British Empire Medal in 2019, among other accolades, the force said.

Looking back on the incident that sparked it all, he said: "Somebody rather drunk decided to kick a shop window in, right in front of me, so I grabbed him, made a citizen's arrest, and it led from there."

"Back when I joined, the Specials were referred to as the 'Hobby Bobby', but we've moved on from that now with the professionalism and the training we get," he told BBC Essex.

"It's been challenging, with lots of different opportunities that you would not have as a civilian, or even as a full-time officer.

"I'll miss the camaraderie and friendship, but I'll still see many of my former colleagues."

Supt Rayner juggled policing with his full-time job as the managing director of Anglia Tile Centre in Colchester, which he is not retiring from.

He served under seven chief constables and was responsible for more than 60 officers, and became and remained friends with the officer who spotted his skills.

"It's time to allow other people to step up as we have some enthusiastic younger officers who are ready to progress," he said.

He added that society had "changed dramatically" over the course of his policing career, with the advances in technology the most noticeable difference.

"I'll miss it and not having a warrant card in my pocket will take a bit of getting used to, but I've got five grandchildren with another on the way."

Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington paid tribute to Howard's service.

"To commit more than 40 years to helping people and keeping the county safe, while balancing his business and family responsibilities, is extraordinary," he said.

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