High Sheriff role inspired Jennifer to become Special

With a law scholarship and a successful career in financial derivatives behind her, mum-of-two Jennifer Crompton is probably not the first person you’d expect to see in a uniform policing the streets of Cambridgeshire.

But last year everything changed as 59-year-old Jennifer, who is currently a Deputy Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, served a year as High Sheriff of the county.

Having been raised in Massachusetts, USA, and then studying at Brooklyn Law School, in New York, she’d always seen policing as a dangerous and high-risk world.

But during her year as High Sheriff she saw the pride in police officers’ faces as they were rewarded for their hard work and excellence.

And she realised the crucial part communication plays in the role after spending a day with PCs Calum Searle and Freddie Tomalin, working out of Parkside Police Station, and witnessed a Taser training session.

South Korean-born Jennifer was inspired, and when someone suggested she apply to become a Special constable she didn’t hesitate.

Recently she was sworn in by a magistrate as she graduated with others at a ceremony at police HQ in Huntingdon.

This week we're celebrating national Volunteers' Week and thanking those who give up their spare time to help police the county.

Jennifer, who has two grown up sons and has lived with her husband John at Sawston Hall, in South Cambridgeshire, for ten years, said: “Becoming a Special is one of the most interesting things I have done. It is challenging and not for the faint of heart, but fascinating and enormously fulfilling.

“When I did the ride-along in Cambridge I was impressed by the engagement, dedication, and professionalism of the officers over the course of the day. I also saw how varied and interesting the incidents the Neighbourhood Policing Team attended were.  And they also had to pivot to attend response callouts when needed. 

“I was drawn to the Special constable role because it is one of the few volunteer roles where you have powers, so you can contribute more and have a greater impact.”

Since moving to the UK, Jennifer has been involved in a range of charitable activities, in particular advising on fundraising, development, and public events for causes focused on inclusion, education, and the arts.

She is also very interested in causes related to her native South Korea and serves on the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council in the UK, appointed by the President of the Republic of Korea to advise on reunification policy.

But neither her many interests, or her two dogs - Miniature Schnauzer Max and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Algy - stopped her making the time to join the frontline of policing the county.

She said: “I am fortunate in that I have a lot of flexibility in my schedule. However, the others in my Specials intake have demanding jobs or young children, and in some cases both. I watch my fellow Specials with great admiration as they juggle their policing work with their careers and personal commitments.  

“I am aware that at 59 I am at the upper end of the age range for people who become Specials, but I feel decades younger. But seriously, for my general wellbeing, I try to keep fit by working out most days.  I ran the London marathon 10 years ago, but these days keep my running to shorter distances to avoid the risk of injury.”

Jennifer is one of 45 Deputy Lieutenants who support Lord Lieutenant, and former Chief Constable of Cambridgeshire, Julie Spence. 

In her short time in the role, she has read citations at British Empire Medal Investitures, conducted Citizenship Ceremonies and represented the Lieutenancy at a Remembrance Service. 

But of all these roles she knows being a police officer could be the most challenging.

“When I went for my bleep test and fingerprinting, it suddenly felt very real and the enormity of what I was taking on hit me”, Jennifer recalled.

“I did wonder for a brief moment if I had made a mistake.  Then when I entered the classroom on the first day and met my trainer and fellow Specials intake I felt immediately at home and since then have not had a second thought about my decision to sign up.”

For more on becoming a Special and to apply, visit the careers section of our website.