From Special Constable to Temporary Assistant Chief Constable

Nigel Harrison joined the Force as a Special Constable in 1995 before joining as a regular officer in 1997, and he has worked in all policing areas across North Wales.

He has worked his way up the ranks to the position of Temporary Assistant Chief Constable, filling the role vacated by Sacha Hatchett who has since left North Wales to become Deputy Chief Constable at Lancashire Police.

He has experience as a Firearms, Public Order and Civil Contingencies Commander and recently undertook the role as coordination Gold for the Police COVID response across Wales, along with leading the regional preparedness to the EU Exit.

T/ACC Harrison has also spent time as the Head of Operational Support Services which has responsibility for Roads Policing, Firearm Operations, Operational Planning, Justice Services and the Force Communication Centre.

As Chief Superintendent he had responsibility for Local Policing Services which included all frontline uniformed officers, Detectives and police staff. He has also previously held the national role of Assistant Chief Constable overseeing collaborations across Wales.

T/ACC Harrison said: “My ambition was always to become a police officer and I’ve been lucky enough to do so many different roles during my time with the Force.

“I’m proud to join the Chief Officer Team here at North Wales Police and looking forward to the challenges ahead.

“I joined the Special Constabulary in 1995 to gain an insight into policing and it was the most rewarding experience. I was based at Bangor and the team there were fantastic and really set the tone for my career. I will always be grateful to Roly Schwartz the Inspector at the time who helped me achieve my ambition.   The experience I gained there helped me to join the force as a Police Constable in 1997.

“Being a Special Constable gives you real insight into policing, it is an opportunity to assess if is a career for you or for many it is just a way to give back to your community ”

Special Constable are people from all walks of life who choose to spend their free time helping us to help others. Helping us to improve the communities in which we all live and work. Helping us achieve our vision of a safer North Wales.

They work alongside regular officers and are expected to commit at least sixteen hours service a month. They are given training and a uniform and to help police their communities have all the powers and authority of regular officers.

With our recruitment window currently open for new Special Constables, now is a great time to apply. You will develop new skills, gain confidence, keep fit and healthy and work as part of a close-knit team

For more information on how to apply visit our recruitment page > Special constable | North Wales Police