The Beat Podcast from Staffordshire Police

In this episode of The Beat, we explore one of the most hidden and devastating forms of child sexual abuse: intra-familial abuse which is the abuse of children by those within their family network.You’ll hear from “Susan” (not her real name), a woman whose children were targeted by a paedophile posing as a partner to another family member. Susan shares how the truth began to surface after a brave disclosure from a child following a school sex education class, an admission that led to more victims coming forward.We also speak with the officer who led the investigation, uncovering how the abuse came to light, the steps taken to support the victims, and the warning signs that often go unnoticed.Please note: This episode contains distressing details, and listener discretion is advised. All victims in this case are protected by lifelong anonymity under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.For more information and advice, please visit our Break the Silence campaign page on our website: Break the Silence | Staffordshire Police

The third and final installment from our guest Special Sergeant, Matt Hickinbottom, we hear about how Covid impacted his role and outlook on his career. We also delve into how Matt sees his career progressing in the Specials and the opportunities available to new recruits joining Staffordshire Police.Focusing on our specials constabulary, we are sitting down with people across all levels of our team of voluntary officers, as they share their knowledge, expertise and tales of life in the force.If you want to read more about our specials constabulary, or if you’re interested in joining, please visit: Special Constable | Staffordshire Police

Episode two of our Specials mini-series of The Beat continues with Special Sergeant, Matt Hickinbottom.Focusing on our specials constabulary, we are sitting down with people across all levels of our team of voluntary officers, as they share their knowledge, expertise and tales of life in the force.If you want to read more about our specials constabulary, or if you’re interested in signing up, please visit: Special Constable | Staffordshire Police

The third guest in our Specials mini-series of The Beat is Special Sergeant, Matt Hickinbottom.Focusing on our specials constabulary, we are sitting down with people across all levels of our team of voluntary officers, as they share their knowledge, expertise and tales of life in the force.Despite having only been in our ranks since 2015, Matt has worked on and off in policing roles for 25 years. This is alongside his varied career which includes a college lecturer, TV and film producer, director and even composer.In Part One, Matt tells our host Josh Samuels why he joined the Specials and how he manages the role alongside other commitments and experiences in his life.If you want to read more about our specials constabulary, or if you’re interested in joining, please visit: Special Constable | Staffordshire Police

Episode two of our Specials mini-series of The Beat continues with Special Constable Kristian Roberts!Focusing on our specials constabulary, we are sitting down with people across all levels of our team of voluntary officers, as they share their knowledge, expertise and tales of life in the force.In Part Two, Kristian tells Josh Samuels about what it was like becoming a special in the middle of the pandemic and why he couldn’t get enough of it.If you want to read more about our specials constabulary, or if you’re interested in signing up, please visit: Special Constable | Staffordshire Police