RAF Reservist Returns to the Barnstaple Neighbourhood Police Team
Neighbourhood Beat Manager PC Ben Aston has been re-united with the Barnstaple local police team after several months abroad serving with the Royal Air Force.
Ben has served as an RAF reservist for five years, committing a minimum of 27 days each year to training so that he is ready to deploy in support of the country’s defence at a moment’s notice.
He has recently returned to the Barnstaple Neighbourhood Policing team from an eight month mobilisation on overseas operations.
Ben, who was born in Devon, recently joined police colleagues at the busy Armed Forces Day event at Rock Park, Barnstaple, where military and historic aircraft made a flypast. Police had a stand at the event and local officers chatted to lots of people. Children had a chance to get their fingerprints made into a keepsake keyring and visitors also had fun trying out the ‘cage’ in the police van which can be used for anyone who has been arrested.
Ben said: “Being able to serve my country in two different capacities is a real privilege and I often find that skills learned in each role are transferable to the other role. It is testament to the flexibility of each employer that I'm able to satisfy the commitments of both roles but, having maintained this double life for five years, it's been refreshing to hang up my police uniform for eight months.
“This gave me an opportunity to redress my work life balance and I'm now feeling fully refreshed and fitter than ever to resume my fight against crime.
“Taking part in the Barnstaple Armed Forces Day felt like a fitting way to spend one of my first shifts back on the beat. It’s always a treat to meet the local community at an organised event where they're enjoying themselves because, by the very nature of policing, most of our interactions with the public are at times where they're upset and angry, either as a victim or having been caught as an offender.”
Ben started his police career as a volunteer Special Constable, which he carried out for five years, before moving to Gloucestershire Constabulary in 2013 to become a Police Constable. Once settled into that role he joined RAF Brize Norton as part of a part time volunteer reserve. He transferred back to his home force of Devon & Cornwall Police in March 2020 and says he hopes to continue serving his remaining years here until he retires.
Having been chosen by the RAF as one of the stewards to help out at this year’s Wimbledon tennis tournament, which runs until 16 July, Ben has been carrying out duties in the Royal Box.
His police manager is Barnstaple Neighbourhood Team Leader Sergeant Chris Mannell. He added: “Ben manages to juggle a busy life with his dedication to the RAF and the police force. It’s good to see him back in the Devon & Cornwall Police family. He is modest about his achievements and is a great asset to our local police team.
“We are delighted to have Ben back and I’m sure the people of Barnstaple will be offering a warm welcome to Ben now he has returned to our local community.”
Devon and Cornwall Police are signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating our commitment to supporting UK military operations.