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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
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| Newcastle Falcons' Rob Hawkins becomes special constable | Newcastle Falcons' Rob Hawkins becomes special constable |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| A professional rugby player will try to tackle crime in his new role as a special constable. | |
| Newcastle Falcons player Rob Hawkins has completed his first shift as a volunteer officer for Northumbria Police. | Newcastle Falcons player Rob Hawkins has completed his first shift as a volunteer officer for Northumbria Police. |
| The 32-year-old hooker, who previously played for Bath and Leicester Tigers, said he is considering a career in the force when he retires from rugby. | The 32-year-old hooker, who previously played for Bath and Leicester Tigers, said he is considering a career in the force when he retires from rugby. |
| Northumbria Police said they hope he will inspire others to volunteer. | Northumbria Police said they hope he will inspire others to volunteer. |
| Ch Insp Sarah Pitt, said: "We're really pleased that Rob has joined us as a special constable and we hope it encourages other people to think about getting involved. | Ch Insp Sarah Pitt, said: "We're really pleased that Rob has joined us as a special constable and we hope it encourages other people to think about getting involved. |
| "Our volunteers are a vital link between us and the communities we serve and we welcome the different skills they bring from their own professions." | "Our volunteers are a vital link between us and the communities we serve and we welcome the different skills they bring from their own professions." |
| SC Hawkins said: "I'm probably in my twilight years with my rugby career, so I'm starting to think heavily about the transition into the real world and I've always been interested in the police. | |
| "Whilst I've got the opportunity to give it a whirl as a volunteer I decided to try it. | |
| "I've played in front of 80,000 people before but I don't think I was as nervous then as I was starting my first shift. | |
| "I've been getting a bit of a ribbing. I'm not looking forward to seeing a few of the boys in town when they've had a couple of jars as I'm sure they will probably try to steal my hat and other pranks, but I've told them they'll be in trouble." |