Bobby hits a special target; LAW: As West Midlands Police is looking: to attract more special constables...

Byline: Mark Cowan

SPECIAL policeman Clive Buckley has chalked up a milestone which will take some beating.

For he has spent 10,000 hours on the beat after starting as a special in 1970, at the age of 19. Now aged 58, he spends his weekdays working for HM Customs and Excise.

But outside of his 9-to-5 job he can still be found pounding the beat in uniform.

Currently based on the neighbourhood team at Birmingham International Airport Clive, from Acocks Green, admits things have changed considerably since he first signed up. "When I first started, I just had a long rubber mac, a wooden truncheon and a whistle - they were just starting to get radios," he said.

"We also had a little book with all the listings for the local phone boxes, and every hour we had to ring through to the station.

"My first duty was assisting with the cycle proficiency tests and the local donkey derby, but times have changed."

Clive joined the force while working as a Saturday boy at Halfords after he discovered two officers who came in every day were Specials.

He said: "It just seemed like something different to do in my spare time.

"I thought there was a glamorous side, wearing a police uniform and walking around the streets - but I soon found out it wasn't like that. People didn't want to be bossed around by some 19-year-old," he joked.

While duties were restricted in the early years, Clive faced moments of tragedy that are still etched on his mind.

"I had not been in service long when I was called to a fatal incident on the A45. A young couple had driven to Coventry to pick up an engagement ring but the car crashed and the two burned to death. It was awful," he added.

During his service, Clive rose to become one of the most senior Specials in the force.

In that time, police uniforms changed, the role of Specials grew and so did the respect from regular bobbies.

He chose to retire in 2005 but, after a short break, decided to re-join the job.

Now he regularly pounds the beat at the airport, helping to keep holidaymakers safe.

"There was a time when panda cars first came out and officers were whizzing about. You didn't see anyone on foot - the only ones on foot were specials," he added.

"It's nice to be back getting more and more contact with the public. We are there to help people using the airport."

This year, West Midlands Police is looking to attract more than 300 special constables across the region boosting the ranks to more than 900.

CAPTION(S):

On the beat: Clive talks to youngsters back in the early 80s. Proud: Special Constable Clive Buckley has had a 36-year career. Left: He gives a hand on the beat to the Mayor.