WINTER 2016 | Issue 25

Centre Pages: Welsh Region hosts Employer Supported Policing Event are prepared to turn out for duties, even scenario where the officers worked in groups to deal over the festive period, demonstrates the unstinting with a potential victim of human trafficking. Everyone and unwavering qualities of you and colleagues. For participated, seemed interested and asked questions.” this I am truly grateful. The week of action was a busy one; to mention a Finally, I want to wish you a safe and happy New couple of examples where Specials were able to Year to you and your families. Thank you so much support was at the Airport where SC David Dombai for all that you do to support your local forces and was a great asset speaking to incoming Hungarian communities. Nationals and Immigration were also very grateful to have SC Emmanouela Chrissaki, who is fluent in Greek, assisting them.”

SC Stephanie Melvin attended the training, and undertook a duty in the week of action. She said, Richard Debicki “I really enjoyed the duty with the team; the other Assistant Chief officers were really helpful and approachable. On one North Wales raid I got the opportunity to sit in on the interviews National Policing Lead for the Chair – Wales Region CIP Strategic Group with the girls and to ask them questions. I was also able to deal with property, communicate with the girls, the receptionists, owners, immigration, fire service etc. Note from Editor: I was able to help put a prohibition order on one of WELCOME the properties, possibly identifying a sham marriage This is the 25th issue of the magazine which It has been another tremendous year of success for before it went ahead. The training input prior to the the Special Constabulary. The highlights include the has now been in publication since 2011. I duty was really useful and there were occasions when success of Gwent Police hosting the national SC2016 want to take this opportunity to thank you all I was able to provide knowledge to other officers at Conference on behalf of the Welsh forces in April, for supporting the magazine by consistently the scene from this – I thoroughly enjoyed having an a fantastic contribution to the National Specials sending in articles and photographs so opportunity to be involved in a different aspect of Weekend and also the recognition of the vital work that we can share good practice and raise policing and hope to support the Unit in the future.” of the Special Constabulary and Police Support awareness of the Special Constabulary. Volunteers at the Lord Ferrers awards in September. SC David Dombai SC David Dombai said, “I enjoyed the training session, there was a good turn out; it was great to The contribution that the Special Constabulary A special thank you to Graham Holmes, see that many of us are interested in helping to continues to make after celebrating its 185th year is who supports creative design, and Police Greater Manchester Police have undertaken a review admirable, and it is pleasing to see Specials integrated Support Volunteer Janet Gould from GMP for of the external skills of their Special Constabulary and tackle organised crime such as Human Trafficking within almost every specialism and at various her proof reading skills. I would also like to updated the DutySheet skills database. As a result it and Modern Slavery. The Airside duty at Manchester was identified that 124 Specials have some 24 different ranks within policing. It is therefore of paramount acknowledge Police Mutual for their support Airport was really exciting and special to me, as I have language skills and have subsequently received a importance that you are supported to the highest level throughout 2016/17. never used my language skills as a in all aspects of your work. training input from the Modern Slavery Coordination before. As a Hungarian I was able to assist alongside Unit with the plan that officers will be able to support the qualified interpreters after I would like to wish all Special Impact readers the Unit on Operations. In July, I was privileged to take the lead nationally the Budapest flight arrived. We for the Special Constabulary, working under the and contributors the very best for 2017. conducted interviews with people wider arm of Chief Constable Dave Jones’ Citizens in The training coincided with the Policing portfolio. A considerable amount of work has Tina Shelton Modern Slavery Week of Action. who fit the profile (first time fliers, already been undertaken, and this will continue into DC Chris Neild said, “The training girls who travel alone, groups of 2017/18. This includes the development of regional was open to all Specials, but the people who are seeking to work in and national infrastructures to better support the fact that we have so many Specials the UK). We did this in a format of a Special Constabulary, representation and recognising Follow us on Twitter with language skills, particularly questionnaire where we asked basic competency standards to name but a few of the work Hungarian and Romanian is fantastic questions about where they are streams. You can be rest assured that a considerable @SCImpactMag - we want to involve the Special Constabulary more in going after the flight what are they planning to do in our work going forward. The training consisted of two amount of drive and enthusiasm is attached to this the UK, and how long they are staying for. I proved to parts; the first part introduced the officers to Human work by those involved, and we are striving for the be useful as many of the new Hungarian arrivals could best possible platform for the future of the Special Trafficking and Modern Slavery in a format of short not speak English at all. Constabulary, and indeed that of Police Support Subscription ENquIRIEs but powerful video clips. After each short film there was a discussion where questions could be asked Volunteers and the Volunteer Police Cadets. If you would like to join Special Impacts We worked in small teams where each team e-subscription list please email the editor: about how to spot the signs and what to do if officers I would like to take the opportunity to thank you all for come across circumstances such as modern slavery interviewed one person at the time Thanks to the your work throughout last year, with special thanks [email protected] whilst on duty. The second half of the training included training we had I could explain to the Hungarians why to those of you who gave your time to policing duties an explanation as to how to handle these situations we were conducting these interviews and that we were Front page: GMP Travel Safe Specials over the Christmas period. This is a time traditionally and how to put intelligence in through the intranet not targeting them, but trying to protect them from spent with family and friends, but the fact that Special website. The end of the training had a role-play being a victim of such a horrible crime.”

2 SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 25 Issue 25 SPECIAL IMPACT 3 PERSONAL LOANS FROM POLICE MUTUAL PERSONAL LOANS FROM POLICE MUTUAL YOU COULD TIPS FOR Most people know what it’s like to juggle a degree of debt in their everyday finances. For some it’s manageable but for others it SAVE UP TO £100 DEALING can become quite a challenge. If you owe money and you don’t have a clear plan for paying it off, following these tips could PER MONTH WITH DEBT help you take back control and maybe even save yourself some money.

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Sat 8am-4pm). www.policemutual.co.uk/personal-loans Dyfed-Powys Special Constabulary Conference On the 15th of October 2016, Dyfed-Powys Police Keynote Speaker, Tom Haye, Special Chief Officer hosted its first ever Special Constabulary Conference, for , has the national bringing together Special Constables from across the lead for Cyber Specials and Volunteers within the Digital Investigation and Intelligence (DII) Capability force area to learn, share best practice and network. regular and special) and the police service to utilise Dyfed-Powys Special runs Regular response and NPT Sergeants also attended Framework – People Strand. Tom spoke about the the Special Constabulary to its fullest potential, these IronKids race the event, as it was imperative that, as the Specials importance of utilising the large skills base found Special Constable Craig Jones ran Tenby’s work alongside them, they were able to share the within the Special Constabulary but to also make the included: ‘Ironkids’ race recently in full uniform! He did best use of the passion, enthusiasm and dedication conference experience too. The day was opened by this to support his 4-year old son and to raise of Police Volunteers to provide an effective service to Assistant Chief Constable Pam Kelly, with Mr Dafydd • Dementia Friends awareness of volunteer officers. both the force and our communities. Llywelyn (Police and Crime Commissioner) and Speaking after the race, SC Jones said, “As a Superintendent Claire Parmenter in attendance. • Mounted Specials father, being a volunteer, and especially a volunteer police officer, is incredibly important • Joint Response Unit to me. I want to be a role model to my two sons, to help them understand that one of the most • Community Messaging important things you can do in life is to help someone else. And having two sons does make • BRAG (rural policing initiative) me acutely aware that the world isn’t perfect, that risks exist, and being a volunteer police officer Chief Inspector Amanda Diggens officially brought the means I can help make my boys’ world just a event to a close by stressing the benefits and value little bit safer. I think one of the best things about being part of the Special Constabulary at Dyfed- that the Special Constabulary brings to Dyfed-Powys Powys Police is that my son now says he wants to Police. She explained the valuable work that Specials be a Police Officer when he grows up. I guess my goal of being a role model has been achieved!” Paul Pugh, the Ammanford man subjected to a vicious do and how important this is to the future of the police random street attack in 2007 that left him in a coma service – as the new Citizens in Policing lead for the ACC Kelly opened with her story where she joined the fighting for his life, has launched a campaign to warn force, it was very encouraging to hear such supportive police service as a Special Constable in Carmarthen of the effects of alcohol-related crime. Nearly 10 years before reiterating her continued support for later, Paul has teamed up with Dyfed-Powys Police comments and reiteration of the positive themes the development of the Special Constabulary by and Carmarthenshire County Council to make the regarding the future development of the Special announcing the following: emotional video #Pauls Pledge warning people of the Constabulary from earlier in the day. effects of violent crime, where he speaks candidly • Personal Issue Mobile Data Tablets for Special about his trauma and his hopes for the future. Special Chief Officer Cairn Newton-Evans thanked Sergeants Paul’s keynote speech highlighted the need for all those who attended and who had contributed • Response driving assessments for those trained by engaging with our communities and educating them so enthusiastically throughout the day and closed the Ambulance Service on what can really affect them, tackling violent crime by announcing a Special Constabulary Reward and is a priority and unusually the officers were able to see • Driving assessments and development of driving the long term affects this can have on a victim. Recognition event for the Spring / Summer of 2017. policies for Special Constables This award ceremony would include the awarding There were a number of other speakers and inputs • The introduction of ‘Specialist Specials’ from delegates both within and outside the police of the Chairman’s cup by the Police and Crime service, to inspire serving officers, supervisors (both Commissioner for Special Constable of the year.

6 SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 25 Issue 25 SPECIAL IMPACT 7 Cheshire Specials honour the fallen at Cenotaph Remembrance Parade The Special Constabulary Drill Team represented Special Sergeant Richard Sparks, based at on the 13th November, Macclesfield, said “It was an honour to be able taking part in the annual Remembrance Parade, to march alongside members of the military, Special Constable Rod Winter which takes place on Sunday in Whitehall, veterans and their families, as well as my London, following national Remembrance Day colleagues at the parade. The team and I felt an wins Glenn Goodman Award on the 11th November, also known as Armistice enormous sense of pride in representing the Day. The Drill Team’s presence at Constabulary at the event.” A North Yorkshire Special Constable who is passionate gives me great pleasure to be able to acknowledge about road safety has won this year’s Glenn Rod’s unstinting commitment to road safety and his the event is a first for Cheshire Metropolitan Special Constabulary Constabulary, who has never been Goodman Trophy at North Yorkshire Police’s Annual devotion to duty, he thoroughly deserves this award.” took part in Remembrance Sunday Awards Ceremony. SC Rod Winter, who is based in represented at the parade before. which saw over 450 officers on Northallerton, has more than 22 years’ service with the The Glenn Goodman Trophy was donated by the duty working across their Boroughs force and over the past three years has specialised in Cleveland Special Constabulary in memory of Special Hours and hours of marching up at services to commemorate the road safety and traffic enforcement in his community. Constable Glenn Goodman who was murdered near and down the gym at Headquarters Armistice. Approximately 30 serving Tadcaster in 1992 by IRA terrorists. It is presented paid off, with the team foot-perfect and retired MSC officers took part He has spent the majority of his weekends annually to the member of North Yorkshire Police’s enforcing speed restrictions in the high-risk areas of on the day. The team consisted in the National Act of Remembrance Special Constabulary who has offered visible of 15 members of the Special Northallerton and has seen a significant reduction in reassurance and improved the quality of life for at The Cenotaph in Whitehall. A the level of offences. Following his success in speed Constabulary from all over the people in the communities they serve, reduced and number of the operational patrols enforcement, he is now turning his attention to other prevented crime, gathered intelligence, used their county. The team was formed just deployed on the duty also had MSC officers as traffic dangers such as seatbelt misuse and the use of personal skills and knowledge to solve a long standing over a year ago and their attendance at the part of them. mobile phones. Remembrance Parade was only the third official issue, or has made a significant contribution towards outing for them. Rod said, “I’m honoured to receive such a coveted and the Police and Crime Plan. poignant award for something I feel so passionate Once they completed their part in the parade, about. Keeping our roads safe is an area of policing including placing a wreath at the Cenotaph that Specials can particularly make a positive contribution – taking a one-to-one approach with on behalf of the Constabulary, they took the drivers, to understand the significance of their driving opportunity to take in the atmosphere of the day behaviour and freeing regular officers to attend other and meet with other forces represented at the calls. My aim is to increase driver and pedestrian event, and the public who were keen on having safety to prevent fatal accidents and stop people from their photos taken with the officers. Whilst at the losing their loved ones.” Horse Guards, home of the Household Cavalry, Chief Constable Dave Jones, who is also the National they took a photo with one of The Queen’s Life Police Chiefs’ Council’s lead for Citizens in Policing, Guards - this quickly became a tourist attraction said, “The Glenn Goodman Award recognises the in its own right, with floods of people taking dedication and sacrifice that Special Constables photos. make in helping us keep our communities safe. It

8 SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 25 Issue 25 SPECIAL IMPACT 9 Specials in Northumbria focus on the ‘Fatal Four’ Special Constables based in Newcastle and Special Constable Josh Pinedo, who led the Gateshead organised and ran a two day road operation said, “This ‘fatal four’ operation was put safety operation, which focused on the four main together entirely by Special Constables, and we causes of serious injury and death on the roads, chose to base the operation around road safety known as the ‘fatal four’: because it’s such an important issue for the force. We want to do all we can to help save lives out the operation and I was completely blown away Everyone who was involved should be incredibly • Drink & Drug Driving on the roads. As well as taking action against by their enthusiasm and professionalism. The proud of the work they did, I know the force is.” speeding or driving dangerously we also focused work they did was fantastic to see and they are • Speeding our attention on people driving and using mobile a credit not only to Northumbria Police, but also phones which is extremely dangerous. the communities they serve. Day One • Distracted Driving • 31 drivers travelling at excess speed All of the activity was organised and executed by • Not wearing a seat belt Special Constables and was led by SC Josh Pinedo. • 5 drivers stopped for failing to wear seat belt I can’t praise them all enough for what they did By focusing on these key areas the officers hoped • 3 drivers stopped for using mobile phones this weekend and I was pleased to see the public to raise awareness in road safety and help make doing the same. Members of the public were • 1 vehicle with no MOT the roads safer for everyone. incredibly supportive of the operation - speaking • 1 driver reported for no insurance – vehicle seized to our officers and thanking them for their work. A lot of praise came in through social media • 1 driver stopped and dealt with for bald tyre as well and it’s plain to see that people really Day Two appreciated the work that our Specials put in. • 13 drivers travelling at excess speed

The operation also gave us a chance to pass on • 4 drivers stopped for failing to wear seat belt road safety messages to the public and reinforce • 1 driver stopped for using a mobile phone and remind people about the importance of wearing a seatbelt. The 2-day operation was a • 3 vehicles seized for no insurance – drivers reported huge success with 42 vehicles stopped on day one and 25 vehicles stopped on day two.” • 1 driver found to be in possession of cannabis

Central Area Command Chief Inspector Steve • 1 driver stopped for contravening a red traffic signal Hails said: “I managed to spend some time working alongside the Special Constables during • 2 drivers issued with a VDRS for vehicle defects

10 SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 25 Issue 25 SPECIAL IMPACT 11 by the sheer scale of the dunes and the naked silence decided to sign up as a Special Constable, of the desert sands”. But the first 10km were made even more difficult by an unexpected sandstorm Wayne said: “Like most people who joined which greatly reduced visibility. as a Special Constable, I wanted to see if a

Day two, after camping out overnight at a Bedouin en- career within the law or Policing was for me. campment, with huge beetles and spiders for compa- ny, she scaled a 220 metre ridge. The heat was intense, “I wanted to challenge myself and dispel reaching 40 degrees, making the long walk even more some of the negative stereotypes of Policing difficult. She remembered it as “such a relief to have the campsite in view, and we celebrated our arrival and be a positive influence on others within with a cool soft drink and removing our boots from the Black community. our aching feet.” Her team found themselves in the middle of a thunder and lightning storm, which was followed by shooting stars overhead. He continued, “Volunteering for me was a way of not just giving something back but at Day three, the last day of the trek, Verity said she completed the final 10km and found “emotions were the same time providing me with invaluable running high” as her team came to the end of their life experiences and skills that enable me incredible challenge. to help others. None of this would have She explained, “Each of us had our own very personal been possible without the support of family, reasons for wanting to take on this challenge, but we all worked together as one amazing team to succeed.” friends, fellow Specials and colleagues within Nottinghamshire Police. The thirteen strong team - her M&S work colleagues, Spotlight on…. collectively raised £29,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society CELEBRATING BLACK during their challenge of a lifetime. Well done Verity, I am very proud to be volunteering and SC Verity Williams Cheshire Constabulary is very proud of you! HISTORY MONTH – still serving as a Special Constable with Verity Williams, 28, a mum to 8 year old son Tyler, has been with Cheshire Specials and based at Ellesmere Nottinghamshire Police and 26-years later I Port Local Policing Unit since April 2010. Verity ex- SPECIAL CONSTABLE find myself working with some truly amazing plains that her reasons for joining were she knew she and inspirational people, some who have “enjoyed helping people and thought it would provide WAYNE CLIFF good life experience.” October marked Black History Month – an become lifelong friends. international annual month, celebrating, In her “normal” life, outside of her police work, Verity is recognising and valuing the inspirational The uniform, roles and responsibility may a Credit Risk Manager in the Financial Sector, working individuals and events from within the BME for the HSBC, First Direct and M&S Banks. have changed from when I first went on duty communities. Nottinghamshire Police is wearing a tunic, flat cap, uniform with no Verity recently completed the Sahara Desert Trek PROUD to show its support throughout this in October, walking 50km around, up and down the important event and recognises value that protection or equipment bar a truncheon amazing sand dunes of the Moroccan Sahara in the officers from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) and one radio shared between two people, Erg Chegaga area. We were delighted to feature Verity and her trek for charity appeal, on the Cheshire Police communities bring to the Force. but 26-years in, the ethos remains the same, successful 24 hour Twitterthon, #CP24, at the end of and that is for me being a positive influence September. Special Constable Wayne Cliff is the Force’s longest-serving BME Special Constable, on others, and helping our communities Verity told us that she had become more aware of having volunteered with the Force for more within Nottinghamshire become a safer place people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s through attending response calls. Then, her own family life than 26-years. because we are at the end of the day part of was touched by a relative living with dementia, so that community.” when an offer to join a work team came to go to the Joining the Force as a new recruit way Sahara; the world’s most famous desert, stretching for back in the summer months of June 1990, over 4800km, she was raring to go. Wayne has witnessed many changes in his Wayne continues to volunteer with the force time as a Special Constable and couldn’t in the Rushcliffe Borough and is a familiar She spoke to us about her journey, which took place over three days, starting from Ouarzazate via Casa- be more PROUD to be in a position to sight in the local area, often seen working blanca. It took a seven hour 4x4 ride to reach the edge serve the diverse communities across with Neighbourhood Policing Teams and of the vast and barren desert landscape, where her Nottinghamshire. team found their Nomad guides and camels. She de- supporting colleagues in his secondary role scribes the scenery as “stunning” and she felt “dwarfed Reflecting back on the very moment he as a Football Support Officer.

12 SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 25 Issue 25 SPECIAL IMPACT 13 Also speaking was Bernie Auguste, Head of Security at OpenReach, who told the audience how OpenReach see the scheme as a partnership bringing benefits to the employer, individual and the community. He said “I wholeheartedly encourage our employees to consider becoming a Special Constable. They are not just Special Constables, they are special people.”

Amongst the companies that attended were Cardiff Airport, Cardiff Bus, Willmott Dixon Construction, Tesco, Police Mutual, Welsh workplace. I hope that our event highlighted the Government, SW Fire & Rescue, Centregreat, benefits volunteering can bring to an employer Torfaen Youth Services and OpenReach. and their member of staff.” Contact is also being made with JD Sports, Sophie Howe, Wales’ first Future Generations Carmarthenshire Council and DVLA who were Commissioner said, “The Wellbeing of Future unable to attend on the day but wish to learn Welsh Region hosts Generations Act is about improving the social, more about ESP. economic, environmental and culture of Wales in Employer Supported Policing Event a manner which is sustainable for years to come. This programme has several benefits, not only for South Wales Police, but also for the businesses Businesses across Wales were invited to learn Assistant Chief Constable, Jeremy Vaughan who who are contributing their staff. In addition more about the Employer Supported Policing opened the event said, “We are in a privileged the health benefits of volunteering are widely Programme and the Well-being of Future position where we attract a great deal of documented and this initiative is a fantastic, Generations (Wales) Act which is about improving volunteers who kindly give up their time to practical example of how the principles of the Act the quality of life for our employees and future support the Police. As well as that vital group of can work together, forging a better tomorrow for generations. the people of Wales.”

Hosted in Cardiff at the Principality Stadium, Other speakers at the event were Tina Shelton, 17 November, South Wales Police collaborated Regional Citizens in Policing Coordinator, with all Welsh police forces to promote the who gave an overview of the ESP scheme, DC opportunities for volunteering within policing. Gareth Jordan from Dyfed-Powys Police gave a presentation on Cyber Volunteers and Special Special Sergeant Gareth Jones, who has recently Inspector Phil Richards from BT spoke about how transferred onto the newly created SC Road being supported by his employer had helped him Safety Unit, works for OpenReach. He has been enormously in his 32 years voluntary service. given two weeks ESP leave to commence his volunteering with the Road Safety Unit, and in particular the Christmas Drink/Drug drive campaign. Gareth has also attended a two day driving course in December.

Mark Owen, North Wales Police Special people I also want us to attract those individuals Constabulary Chief Officer, said “I would like that can provide a longer term commitment – to thank OpenReach for the superb support volunteers that are prepared to stay with us for they offer us via their active engagement with a longer period of time. Volunteers that we can the Employer Supported Policing scheme. It’s invest in and expand and develop their skills. fantastic that they have allowed Special Sergeant To do this, it is essential to have the support Gareth Jones time off to perform Special of employers. We know that volunteering is Constabulary duties full time for two weeks all about giving back to the community, but at this time of year. Because of their support of course our volunteers get a lot back for Gareth has made a significant contribution to the themselves- they face new challenges and can Christmas Drink/Drug Driving Initiative, which in develop new skills that they can bring to the turn makes the roads of North Wales safer.”

14 SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 25 Issue 25 SPECIAL IMPACT 15 Leicestershire Specials Takeover

GMP Special Constables successful in regular recruitment process Two of the 12 new regular officers policing to stories and advice from the trainers and the Trafford Borough are Amy Brookes experiencing it all with my colleagues, I feel and Onker Singh, both former GMP Special like I fit right in.” As a former apprentice Sixty Specials from Leicestershire Police took the Leicestershire Police are proud to have almost Constables. for the Greater Manchester High Sheriff’s lead on policing a busy night shift across Leices- 300 Specials who regularly volunteer their time Police Trust, Onker was initially reluctant to ter, Leicestershire and Rutland, to celebrate 185 to policing. Special Chief Inspector Phil Smith Amy, who studied Law and Forensic become a Police Officer, but was inspired years of the Special Constabulary. said, “The Specials did a sterling job last night, Psychology, has always had aspirations by working alongside officers and getting a with many staying on much later than we had On Saturday 3 December the Specials patrolled of joining the force from a young age. full insight into what they do. Onker said: initially anticipated. I am honoured to lead such all over the county, making a total of 17 arrests Her previous roles include working at a “As you progress through GMP the support a remarkable group of officers, and it was an and dealing with numerous incidents including a mental health hospital and volunteering excellent way for us all to celebrate the anni- is so good that it convinced me to pursue a sexual assault, several public order offences and with Victim Support for 12 months before versary of the Special Constabulary. It gave us a Police Officer career.” an assault against a Police Officer. looking into becoming a Special Constable. chance to really show our capabilities in policing, Onker, who has worked on interfaith Special Constable James Butcher, 22, said: “It was and demonstrate just how far we’ve come in 185 With prior experience in mental health cohesion projects in the past hopes to bring a bit nerve-wracking because we didn’t know years.” and a British Sign Language qualification, what to expect. It was a jump up in responsibility she is most looking forward to using these his understanding of different backgrounds but a great opportunity and a real learning curve. Sergeant Jamie Osborne, Lead for Specials, said, skills to benefit the community. She wants and compassion towards others to assist I love the work - it’s just brilliant, and being a “The work that Specials carry out is hugely ap- to get experience on the front line before him in his role. Onker continued, “If you Special has changed me as a person, I am much preciated force wide, and last night provided a hopefully progressing into work with take the time to understand different more confident.” unique and fascinating insight into their lives and vulnerable adults. Amy said, “Protection cultures, it helps you to police a lot better.” Inspector Manjit Atwal supervised the night, and work. It’s a rewarding role and yesterday they of the community is paramount; my job said, “The time flew by, which was purely down to proved that you really can make a difference to is to protect residents before any crime Assistant Chief Constable John O’Hare said, the efficiency of the Specials reacting to the large your community. I’d like to extend my gratitude to happens.” “It’s great that we have recruits who really number of jobs coming in. It was a busy night and everyone involved, and I hope that they enjoyed understand how Greater Manchester Police they should be proud of themselves, eSpecially the night as much as I did.” Both Amy and Onker had high praise for works and can hit the ground running. With considering the range of situations they dealt with. It was brilliant to see the Special and regu- If you missed it, live updates were broadcasted their trainers, saying the support and current challenges, it’s reassuring to have a lar officers supporting each other so well, and I on Facebook and twitter accounts throughout the knowledge they have received is second set of highly skilled officers from different certainly look forward to us working closely in the night, so please follow us and search for posts to none. Onker said: “My favourite aspect backgrounds with a wealth of knowledge to future.” with #SpecialNight185 of the whole process has been listening benefit the team and ultimately the Force.”

16 SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 25 Issue 25 SPECIAL IMPACT 17 which, in his opinion, “diverted young offenders away patrols and Policing Public events including visiting from the criminal justice system.” Live, a large music festival held at the Islands Show Ground over the first weekend of September. In early September, Special Chief Inspector Paul The Honorary Police usually look after the exterior of Andrews and Special Constable Simon Bale MBE from the festival site, undertaking road closures, directing Avon and Somerset Constabulary had the opportunity traffic, whereas the States Police undertook the Jersey Honorary Police to visit Jersey and observe the Honorary Police in internal policing of the site and associated issues that action. Upon arrival they drove to the village of St can be faced including illegal substances, drink related Aubin’s, in the parish of St Brelades, where they violence and petty theft. Unlike in the UK where the Special Constabulary is in Jersey and their colleagues in the UK is that it is the gave a presentation on the work of the Avon and the part-time volunteer section of the statutory police Honorary Police’s senior officers, known at Centeniers, Somerset Special Constabulary to the assembled Special Constable Simon Bale MBE said, “Overall the service, in Jersey, the Honorary Police is a parochial who solely have the power to charge an offender and representatives of the 12 Parishes Honorary Police five days spent on the Island were a great experience elected volunteer service restricted to operating not their paid colleagues in the SoJP. Forces. and a great opportunity to learn from one another. predominately within the confines of their 12 We left Jersey having been made to feel very welcome individual Parishes and is only affiliated to the States Another idiosyncrasy of the Honorary Police and the The following four days were spent as observers by all the locals, tourists and both Honorary Police of Jersey Police for operational efficiencies and the system of justice in Jersey is the Parish Hall Enquiry seeing how the Honorary Police on the Island work in and whom we met. Since our enservicement of the law. This in effect means that “PHE”. This is a process of preliminary investigation their Parishes, out on proactive patrols, undertaking visit the Chief of the Honorary Police Association has Jersey has 13 police services and each Honorary officer conducted by a Centenier to ascertain whether there speed checks, attending incidents and attending said publicly there is a lot that the Honorary Police is elected to their position for a period of 3 years. is sufficient evidence to suggest that an offence Parish Hall Inquiries where the Honorary Police hold can learn from the Special Constabulary including has been committed and whether or not it is in the initial hearings for offences such as speeding, parking, standardising their uniform, the issue of personal Historically the Jersey Honorary Police can trace its public interest to prosecute the alleged offender for and anti-social behaviour (a form of restorative th protective equipment to all officers and the associated roots back to the 13 Century and maybe earlier, that offence. In all but the most serious offences, justice but with the ability to hand out fines and refer training as well as the use of Social Media to advertise preceding the Pontifical Swiss Guard by nearly 300 offenders will be invited to attend at a PHE to have the defendants up to the Magistrates Court where the good work they undertake in their community.” years to lay claim to being the oldest policing service the circumstances of the offences reviewed by the necessary). During their stay they also visited the HQ in the world. In 1853, to counter a significant rise Centenier. The PHE has no legal definition and it is and main Police Station of the States of Jersey Police in crime within the island’s capital of St Helier, an not a Court. Enquiries are usually held in an evening, and met the Chief Constable and other Officers. embryonic paid police service was established to work attendance is voluntary and the attendee can at in conjunction with the town’s elected volunteers. It any time request that the case be heard before a The visit gained a lot of media interest following recent wasn’t until 1951 that the St Helier Paid Police, as it Magistrate. However if a person warned to attend negative press on the Honorary Police system and was then known, formed the nucleus of an island wide at PHE does not attend, the Centenier can then opt so several Radio and local TV interviews were held paid police service that is now the States of Jersey to issue a summons and pass the case on for the where the Journalists were able to find out the Avon Police “SoJP”. individual to appear before a Magistrate. & Somerset Officers thoughts on community policing and what the Honorary Police did and how the Special Gradually over the following 75 years since its In an interview for the Jersey Media the SoJP’s Chief Constabulary operated on the mainland. establishment, the SOJP has replaced the Honorary Officer Mike Bowron, described the Honorary Police Police in the role of day to day operational policing of and the PHE process as “one of the best kept secrets The duties observed were very similar to the Specials the island. This has not diminished the importance in criminal justice in the northern hemisphere” and back on the mainland, with countryside, shoreline of the Honorary Police in a supporting role and one equated the relatively low level of youth crime in and urban areas, attending all manner of incidents, significant difference between the volunteer service Jersey to the Parish Hall and Parochial Justice system undertaking speed checks, community reassurance

18 SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 25 Issue 25 SPECIAL IMPACT 19 The team visited a number of areas across the county, including Beeston, Gunthorpe, East Bridgford, Hazelford, Newark and Collingham, where they conducted high visibility patrols and checked a total of 45 fishing rod licences. Two warnings were issued on the night and two anglers who were suspected of not having the appropriate licences to fish were reported for summons.

Special Constable Smith, who regularly works closely with the Environment Agency and Angling Trust, headed up the operation and said: “The joint operation enabled us to work together with Nottinghamshire Rural Specials our partner agencies to tackle those illegally Leicestershire Specials Christmas make the roads safer for everyone.” Combat Illegal Angling fishing and taking fish from waters across our Operation county. The presence of Officers patrolling Special Constables from Leicestershire Police Inspector Steff Shellard, Commander of Members of the force’s Rural Special Constable alongside the Environment Agency was very well stopped over a hundred motorists on the evening Neighbourhood Policing for East Leicester, said, Pro-active Team joined forces with the Fisheries received by those lawfully fishing and enabled of Friday 25 November, to begin the Christmas “We are mindful that the festive season can Enforcement Officers Agency recently to conduct us to reassure members of the public that we do crackdown on those driving illegally. 24 Specials present opportunities where people are tempted a night of action operation – taking action against worked the night shift, and offered FATAL 4 to get behind the wheel when they shouldn’t. I and will take action against those who knowingly advice to hundreds of motorists. hope that Friday night helped to get our road those illegally fishing on waters across the county. fish on our waters without the relevant licences.” safety messages across to drivers, and as a force, the ESP scheme this year, with another four in The stop-test operation was based at a check-site we feel privileged to have such hardworking the recruitment process, joining the two staff who in the Humberstone Road area of East Leicester, Specials volunteering with us.” and is the first of many to be undertaken to have been Specials pre-ESP. North Wales Specials Support Drink help keep the roads safe throughout the festive Councillor Lamb said, “I thought the evening Drive Launch season. Over the course of the evening, more went well despite it being very quiet even for a Specials Chief Officer Mark Owen was interviewed than 35 tickets were issued, 10 drivers were Wednesday night apparently, however it gave me by ITV News at the All Wales Christmas Drink caught speeding, four cars were seized and a the chance to talk about policing with Donn and Drive launch in December. Mark was highlighting man was arrested for drink-driving. Alan. The ESP scheme is without doubt a great the partnership working that exists between the engagement tool for businesses and policing and Special Constabulary and the regular Force, in it was helpful to discuss how Donn and Alan saw particular Roads Policing their role as part time officers. They confirmed Lancashire Specials receive Long Service really good working relationships with the full Medal time officers and gave me an insight about the practicalities of carrying out the role as well as SC Keith Goodwin, SC Inspector Keith Armstrong holding down a full time civilian job.” On Wednesday 6th October Councillor John and SC Inspector Sonya Boden were all recipients Lamb Executive Member for Communities and of their Long Service Medals recently. Special Inspector Donn Partnerships Trafford Houldsworth said, “It was Borough Council went out great to be able to host the on observation patrol with visit and be able to network Special Inspector Donn with Councillor John Houldsworth and Special Lamb and Director Joanne Constable Alan Hough Hyde; this gave me the Special Sergeant Sam Watson who organised opportunity to show how the operation said, ““The whole evening was a Trafford Council introduced Employer Supported effective the Employer Supported Policing can be, fantastic team effort. It was the first time that Policing (ESP) last year committing an additional by complimenting the police force and benefit the many of the Specials had issued tickets and it was 10 days per year for their staff who are Special communities and local enterprises.” a great chance for them to develop their skills. Constables, and a marketing campaign has been We also carried out breathalyser tests, seized on-going to attract Council staff into the police Trafford Council also give a council tax reduction an untaxed car and found three more drivers service as Specials. Three Council staff have to all Special Constables who live and volunteer without insurance. I’m pleased that we could help been recruited into the Special Constabulary via within the Borough.

20 SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 25 Issue 25 SPECIAL IMPACT 21 GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE SPECIAL CONSTABULARY

Special Inspector Maureen Conwell retires after 24 years of service to the communities of Manchester 15 new specials join GMP in November

Travel Safe Specials jokE “What’s the weather like in Leigh bus station?. Avon & Somerset . management who were already trying to oversee the ...it's rain dear!” . Operation Chilly usual requirements of Friday and Saturday evening Anti-social behaviour was becoming a large scale issue policing. around the Longwell Green and Barrs Court area of South Gloucestershire within Avon and Somerset The deployments ranged from going out in marked Constabulary. To combat this, a weekly vehicles, being highly visible on foot as well as . SC Ryan Orme performing a reading at Constabulary led operation was set up to provide a utilising push bikes to get around the maze of lanes . surrounding the targeted area. St Herbert’s Parish Church for Oldham’s. high visibility presence and react quickly to deal with Christmas Carol Service anti-social behaviour - Operation Chilly was born. The result of the work conducted by the Special Constabulary in relation to Operation Chilly has seen Special Sergeant Jake Haskins said, “Our aim was a massive decrease in anti-social behaviour in the to gather intelligence on the individuals that were affected areas with the large groups that had once seen each week and identify any groups that caused an issue on Friday and Saturday evenings, now were beginning to form. Any crime and disorder all but gone. SC Melanie Fielding and SC Matthew Cassidy take caused needed to be dealt with via a zero tolerance part in Operation Elf, Rochdale stance.” He continued, “Groups of young people Operation Chilly won the South West Regional Specials were beginning to fraction into gangs and fighting Team of the Year Award (Arthur Ellis Memorial Trophy) between each other, causing damage and destruction earlier this year. in their wake. No intelligence was being gathered as to who belonged to which group and the issues that were coming from it. Something needed to be done immediately to tackle the issues.”

Resources from around the South Gloucestershire district were pooled together and then assigned to a focused and targeted operation with clear goals and targets set. This required close work with the Neighbourhood Policing Team to bolster numbers to be able to tackle the issue. This proved to be a catalyst to form an even stronger bond between the local Special Constabulary and the Beat and Response Teams who were already stretched in dealing with the problems.

Each weekend, up to 10 Special Constables were deployed to tackle the issues, led by a Special Constabulary supervisor who gave detailed briefings and deployments and led on the overall running of the operation, sometimes even undertaking street briefings to give a show of force at the start of the Stockport Specials take part in local “999” day shift. This meant that there was little impact to regular

Issue 25 SPECIAL IMPACT 23 30 Special Years in Meet a Lancashire Specials’ target Cheshire Career Special north Wales John Carr, 59, is a Technical Support Engineer ‘most wanted’ for Ericsson, supporting 200 engineers that work North Wales Special Constabulary has recently been across three mobile communications networks. at the centre of an operation aimed at reducing the John joined Cheshire Special Constabulary in number of individuals who failed to appear at Court October 1986. to face justice.

“My lasting memory has to be meeting my Inspector Gareth Pearson of North Wales Police wife, Pauline, on a first aid course. Pauline was who coordinated the force-wide ‘Operation Zander’ said, “A number of people charged and released a Special at Warrington and she volunteered on bail with offences subsequently fail to appear at with Cheshire Constabulary for seven years. I Court resulting in warrants of arrest being issued. remember we did a duty together at Widnes a Not only are they wasting Court and Police time few months after we first met. A pop group called in attempting to track them down but more “Simple Minds” was playing on Spike Island, and I importantly the Criminal Justice System is unable to bring a degree of justice and reassurance to the South Yorkshire was paired up with Pauline. We often joke about victims and communities in which they live. And of Special Commendation that being a cheap date, no need to wine and course they could be continuing to commit other Doncaster Special Constable Jack Shackleton dine her. We’ve been happily married now for 29 offences. Operation Zander has been launched years. I have Cheshire Specials to thank for that…” across the North Wales Police area aimed at has been handed a Commendation by the Local reducing the 180 or so wanted people and taking Policing Unit Command Team, after managing the them directly to Court to begin the process of scene of a fatal collision which happened while John explains “Most of my family and friends bringing them to justice. he and a colleague attended a separate matter worked in the police, so perhaps that’s what nearby. inspired me to join. I love to help people who By day Rick Cardwell is a Motor Vehicle assessor, Special Constables joined their full time colleagues need us and feel proud when I achieve this on in his spare time he is a Special Constable with and formed the core of the ‘strike’ teams in carrying duty. I’ve learnt so much since working with the Lancashire Constabulary. Rick has been in the out the majority of arrests in operations that ran Jack was recognised for his professionalism from dawn till dusk. The whole process proved Police, especially communications skills.” motor vehicle repair industry since leaving school. and commitment, after he helped a man who hugely successful and it was heartening to see a His current job involves travelling to garages sustained serious head injuries outside Doncaster significant number ‘handing’ themselves into the In October the Force celebrated John’s incredible around the country training vehicle damage Courts or Police Stations after Operation Zander Royal Infirmary. Jack and his colleague had been achievement of volunteering at Cheshire assessors however he has always wanted to help Officers had called to either homes, work places dealing with a matter inside the hospital. Drawing or their known haunts looking for them. One Constabulary for thirty years. His service has people and got involved in volunteering early on. of our most important roles is to protect the on his training, Jack protected and secured been mainly at Widnes but he has worked around the scene of the Road Traffic Collision with a most vulnerable in our communities and so we several other Cheshire LPUs. In the last twelve Rick is qualified in psychology as well as being specifically targeted those wanted for the most police car and an ambulance to provide a safe months he has moved into helping with the an HND qualified registered therapist. On top of serious offences.” environment and preserve evidence. Cheshire Cadets programme at Warrington, and his volunteer role as a Special Constable he also During the successful first phase of Operation as the Cadet Team Leader at Winsford where the volunteers as a counsellor for fyldecounselling. He identified witnesses, provided a clear Zander up to 20 Special Constables were utilised Cadets were delighted to help him celebrate his co.uk. “I feel it’s important to look after your and they took part in 21 arrests, 14 persons handed handover to the regular Sergeant arriving milestone three decades of volunteering. wellbeing and volunteering makes me feel good themselves in following enquiries made at their on scene, and carried out continuity for the about myself” said Rick. homes and work place and a further 9 persons injured man, who sadly died later. Jack also kept were removed from the ‘wanted’ list for a range of reasons. supervisors and other specialist departments Rick spends a significant amount of his spare updated so decisions could be made regarding time working as a Special Constable and feels he the injured party and the future investigation. is making a real difference. “I didn’t want to be Joint Specialist Operations colleagues noted that a regular Police Officer. Volunteering allows you Jack had performed very well, considering the flexibility and freedom to work when you want gravity of the incident. to and it also extends the boundaries of life’s experiences. You get out of it what you put in. I Jack has given over 1,000 hours of his time believe volunteering can bring out the best in volunteering with South Yorkshire Police, people. Using my skills enables me to deal with committing on average some 160 hours per different types of people in different scenarios. month, which the force is incredibly grateful for. I love helping and supporting people in my local In the photo, Jack is presented with his award by community. It’s the best hobby in the world. So if Special Constables attend briefing for Operation Zander Chief Inspector Adrian Brown. you’re thinking of volunteering – just do it!”

24 SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 25 Issue 25 SPECIAL IMPACT 25 Some key areas covered within the syllabus include Myers Briggs Type Indicators, Emotional Intelligence, Situational Leadership, Incident Command and Critical Incident Management.​

Currently there is no cost to Home Office Forces in terms of training and accommodation for attendees (although travel costs are the The College of Policing is pleased to announce responsibility of the respective Forces). However, dates for two further deliveries of the Special a purchase order will be required from the Force Constabulary Senior Leadership Programme as cancellation fees will be charged. during the first half of 2017/18. The dates for training of the first cohort will be This programme has been developed in order the weekends of 7th-9th April and 30th June- to provide those holding the rank of Special 2nd July. The second cohort will take place Constabulary Chief Inspector (or above) with the over the weekends of 4th-6th August and learning and development opportunities available 1st-3rd September. These represent the only to regular colleagues via the Senior Leadership course dates currently available. However, it is Programme. Individuals at Special Inspector anticipated that additional dates may be added in rank may also be able to attend where it can the latter part of 2017/18. be effectively demonstrated they are currently operating at Chief Inspector level within their For further information and details on how to apply then please contact the College of force role. All applications must clearly show they Alex’s Journey Policing Senior Leadership Training Team via have the support of senior leaders within force. On Sunday 6th November, members of the blue professionally recorded. The video to accompany telephone on +44 (0)1256 602 300 or e-mail: [email protected] light family from up and down the UK converged the song culminated in nearly 600 members of This is a four day programme which takes place over two, non-consecutive, weekends. Delegates on the Headquarters of Warwickshire Police the 999 family converging at Warwickshire Police must be able to attend both weekends of the for a very special occasion. They were there to HQ on foot, by every 999 vehicle imaginable, on North Wales Specials help record a video for a pop song written by same cohort course in order to participate. All horseback and even by air, with a helicopter from Rebecca Donaghy and Alexander Goodwin – an incredibly inspiring and courses will be held at the College of Policing brave young man that has touched the hearts of NPAS flying past in support. training facility at Ryton-Upon-Dunsmore. ​ Rees Williams at a charity many in the 999 family. Special Constables (SCs) Delegates are awarded a certificate of attendance Santa Dash in Mold. The song, complete with the combined voices of from both Warwickshire and West Mercia Police on successful completion of this programme. helped manage the event with a number of SCs the 999 family on the day is available to download from other forces lending their vocal support. with all profits going towards the ongoing costs of Alex’s treatment. Gloucestershire Specials Alex Goodwin is a nine year old boy who loves help Salvation Army sharks, dinosaurs, birds of prey and anything to If you are not already doing so, please follow @ deliver food parcels do with nature. His Dad, Jeff, is a member of the Alexsjourney on Twitter, Facebook or online to the community in Armed Response Vehicle team for Warwickshire at www.alexsjourney.co.uk with links to his December and West Mercia Police Operational Patrol Unit. JustGiving page. On 8th June 2016 the family had some terrible news that Alex had been diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma of his right femur. Alex has been struggling with constant leg pain since Christmas 2015 and has used crutches since April 2016. He was initially misdiagnosed until finally being told it was cancer in June. Despite this shattering news, Alex has shared every step of his journey online, posting daily a positive message to his followers.

Part of Alex’s wish to express his thoughts has been by way of a pop song, which has been

26 SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 25 Issue 25 SPECIAL IMPACT 27 SAVINGS AND INVESTMENTS INSURANCE MORTGAGE ADVICE HEALTHCARE INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVICE FINANCIAL EDUCATION

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