Police officer quits to help those with PTSD

PC Phil Smith has patrolled Tunbridge Wells for 16 of his 23 years service

A Kent police officer is retiring and setting up a retreat for people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

After 23 years in the police and 16 of those in Tunbridge Wells, PC Phil Smith has witnessed many challenging events that are difficult to share with loved ones.

"You don't want to take home some of the things you've seen, and I've learnt so many skills as a police constable that I can put to use away from the force," said PC Smith.

A Cambridge University study found rates of PTSD in the UK police service are almost five times higher than the general population.

'Social worker'

PC Smith believes he has a lot of experience that can be brought to his new career.

"I do most of my work by just talking to people. I'm a social worker, a life coach and a confidante to those who may not have anyone else to turn to for good advice."

He says a lot has changed since he started his career in the police in 2001.

"I've been here so long that I'm now nicking the children of those I nicked when I first started.

"In the early days we didn't even have mobile phones so I had to call in shoplifting offences from the business's landline phone to get them a crime number."

He now carries 6kg of equipment, including multiple radios, ballistic vest and Pava incapacitant spray.

"It can be particularly tiring going up stairwells and steep hills," said PC Smith.

"In the summertime I occasionally patrol the freezer aisles in local supermarkets to cool down. Whereas in the winter you are envious of mobile patrols who are in a warm car."

PC Penny Shirley has transferred from Tonbridge to take on PC Smith's beat

PC Penny Shirley will be taking over the Tunbridge Wells beat.

"After 23 years his presence is definitely going to be missed both inside and outside the police station," she said.

"The rest of us will continue Phil’s legacy.

"There’s a lot to learn from his style of community policing."