Issue 9 Spring 2013

Special help target metal theft See centre pages WELCOME fit for purpose. We are also trying to ensure that all of our internal policy and procedures are in keeping with our legal and professional requirements. One important Pictured above is the presentation of development for us the Chief Officer’s new all is our inclusion Commendation. The award was in the Professional presented to six individuals who have demonstrated an outstanding Committee of contribution to the Special the newly formed on Merseyside College of Policing. The launch took Shout Outs place recently and ASCCO will Eight Cumbria Special represent all Specials Constables will be starting as within the service regulars in March as a result of the pre-join scheme. The officers to ensure that our will undertake a shortened needs and those of training of 10 weeks. 2012 was an exceptionally busy our forces are met Congratulations year in policing, not least due to in terms of training, development, the Olympics, Paralympics and policy and procedure. This will Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee. give us a real voice and a chance It also saw the advent of to shape the future of the Special GMP & and Crime Commissioners Constabulary in the years to Salford University MA Students and the promise of an influx of come. We make a massive at Media City are planning to Special Constables in various produce a documentary DVD to contribution to the policing of promote the Special locations across the country. It the country, supporting our Constabulary’s work within the will be imperative that both newly regular colleagues and keeping community recruited specials and those our communities safe and we already serving in their local need to ensure that we are able communities have the support to participate fully in setting the Oldham Specials, GMP provided and infrastructure within their direction of the professional a high visibility presence for fans forces to allow them to thrive policing service of the future. exiting the recent One and contribute fully. Relationships Participation in the College will Direction concert at the MEN arena between force Specials and Police give us the opportunity to make and Crime Commissioners will this happen. need to be established and built upon over the term of office. Debi Potter Subscription Enquiries The first meeting of the Chair, Association of Special If you would like to get on Special Association of Special Constabulary Chief Officers Impacts emailing list please email the Constabulary Chief Officers editor: took place in January with the If any readers would like to know [email protected] opportunity to both reflect and more about ASCCO please go to: look forward. It has been decided http://www.ascco.org.uk/ to undertake a review of the Follow us on Association in order to set the Special Impact is produced by Tina Twitter direction for the next few years Shelton with support from Special @SCImpactMag Graham Holmes, College of at least and ensure that we are Policing and the Special Constabulary. 2 Issue 9 SPECIAL IMPACT Spotlight You will see a strong relationship with academia where the College makes very good use of academic research. And you will see the best aspects of policing being shared by the College to give everyone the opportunity to roll these out within their force.

How will you and the College ensure that the Special Constabulary remains a supported and sustainable resource for police forces? I know from my time in force how important it is to have a strong, dedicated and motivated Special Constabulary. Members of my staff Spotlight on the new are already working closely with forces Chief Executive Officer and key stakeholders to reinforce this message. We aim to help facilitate the of the College of Policing ongoing education and professional development of special constables as a means of achieving excellence in Alex Marshall, the From the outset I have been clear on delivery of operational policing at a local former Chief Constable of what the College needs to achieve and level and in identifying and sharing best Constabulary, is the first Chief Executive this is to ensure that all those who practice widely. Officer of the new professional body, either are employed or who volunteer in the College of Policing. Here he talks to policing have the up-to-date tools, skills How are your days different now Special Impact about his new role and and knowledge they need to succeed. from that of Chief Constable of the role of the College in the policing There is a real appetite from everyone Hampshire? landscape. across policing for ‘what works’, and I am now working across 43 forces one of my priorities will be to make and looking to drive improvements Congratulations on your new post. knowledge accessible so that everybody everywhere. As a Chief in a single force What will the College of Policing in policing, including Specials, can make I had a day-to-day relationship with offer for forces and the public? informed decisions. my officers and staff. As the Chief at The creation of the College is a fantastic I also want to make sure that we focus the College of Policing I will be setting opportunity to create a top class on the issues that the public most standards and issuing guidance in forces professional body for the service and care about. Early priorities will include where I do not have the same close replace bureaucracy and unnecessary integrity in policing; protecting the public relationship. I do have ‘levers’ nationally policies in policing with practical, from dangerous people, and making sure but the best lever is acceptance that a common sense approaches based on the we can describe the best models of local new approach will improve policing, cut evidence of what works. and neighbourhood policing that make crime and protect the public. If we reach Ultimately, everything we do will be to local communities feel safe and secure. this level of agreement, implementation prevent crime and protect the public, becomes easy. and give the public more confidence in What difference will the College policing. make to policing? Special Impact wishes Mr. Marshall all the You will see an organisation that its best in his new role. What are the first tasks ahead of members, in all aspects of policing, look you? to for knowledge, advice and guidance. A very Special way to keep safer When Katy Bourne was in April and I want people supporter of volunteers and elected as the first ever to be attracted to join, I truly believe the diverse & Crime train and stay with us. To skills and experience they Commissioner high on her recognise their valuable bring to the workforce can agenda was to develop and contribution, I will offer all only enhance and improve encourage volunteering Specials a refund on the our organisation.” within the criminal justice policing element of their system in Sussex. This Council Tax (at Band D particularly related to the level).” Watch this space over number of Specials in Sussex the coming months Police. Over the next two years Mrs Bourne will follow a to hear more about Since the election Mrs cohort of Specials from Mrs Bourne’s plans for Bourne has embarked on recruitment to training recruiting Specials and a fundamental review of to going out on shift. Mrs to follow their journey the recruitment, training Bourne said: “I’m so excited as they embark on and retention of Special to be going on this journey their training and Constables in Sussex: “We with some soon-to-be begin working. will start the recruitment of recruited Specials here in an additional 120 Specials Sussex. I’ve long been a

SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 9 3 Operation Storm Four teams of warnings for vehicles being used in a way Special Constables that was not permitted by their licence were set up for the event each •Court bailiffs also recovered £9,683 in comprising of outstanding fines and seized seven vehicles between two and four Specials in each. •DWP has now begun four new fraud Team 1 carried out investigations on the back of intelligence PNC, Lantern checks gained during the day and breath tests. •A quantity of cannabis was found at one Team 2 were the address and one man was been arrested on agency liaison suspicion of burglary. team, assisting and protecting the During the day of action the area was agencies as they made a hostile environment for criminals carried out their and students were encouraged to do various checks. their bit to make their homes safe.

Operation Storm involved the Tactical Team 3 were the dedicated search team, Other activities throughout the day Aid Unit, Traffic and ANPR teams as who would be brought forward to included property marking at students’ well as partners such as Manchester search any suspicious vehicles stopped addresses, increased patrols in student City Council, Her Majesty’s Revenue on the car park. areas, checks of licensed premises and and Customs (HMRC), Vehicle and vehicle licensing checkpoints. Operators Service Agency (VOSA) Team 4 contained two SC’s who were and the Department for Work and the arrest team. These officers would Pensions (DWP) and the DVLA. The carry out any arrests meaning that other initiative commenced at 07:00 hours officers could stay on the ground and on the South Manchester Division of carry on with their various roles. Greater Manchester Police. The South These teams meant that each special had Manchester Special Constables were a specific role to play, putting a fair deal involved in the planning from an early of responsibility on each officer. Each stage, with 13 Special Constables taking officer performed their roles to their full part on the day. potential, which is reflected on the results from the day. Credit goes to Special Sergeant Nathan Pollitt who braved the cold weather and arrived early, he was there from 6am setting up the site. Credit also goes to Special Sergeant Gary Watkinson who, along with Sgt Nicholas Bamber organised the specials into their various teams and supervised the officers on the ground to ensure the smooth running of the day. The operation had its share of probationer officers take part that, as a result completed They also had a special guest; Special competencies for their PDP’s, Peter Luscombe from gained valuable experience which can no Cheshire Police joined GMP on an doubt be used in future operations. attachment so that he could observe Also as a result of the operation…. how GMP Specials interacted with their full time colleagues. •The VOSA issued immediate prohibition notices to 10 vehicles that were deemed so During the planning stages, it was un-roadworthy they had to be taken off the decided that the Special Constabulary road would take part in the ANPR side of the operation, which involved turning the •Manchester City Council’s taxi licensing local university car park into a staging team examined 43 vehicles and found eight area where the various agencies involved drivers guilty of licensing offences. Four taxis could carry out checks on vehicles were seized at the scene coming through. •Trading standards officers issued 51 4 Issue 9 SPECIAL IMPACT Warwickshire and Specials strengthen their alliance in joint Operation Police and Partners stop 75 vehicles and within Warwickshire Specials for They received £60 fines and 3 points on seize £140k counterfeit goods in Specials nearly fifteen years now, but this sort their licenses. led cross border operation of operation also opens up a valuable • Four non endorsable fixed penalty notices learning opportunity to Police stopped a total of 75 vehicles officers more junior in on the roads around Wellesbourne, service.” Warwickshire in a recent joint operation with Warwickshire Trading “Given the “safe” working Standards, VOSA, and Customs aimed at environment of the stop site, targeting the illegal use of the county’s it means we can deploy a large roads. The operation also sought to number of officers, irrespective identify fraudsters selling counterfeit of their normal role. Given goods at Wellesbourne Market. our ongoing development of an alliance with West Mercia Constabulary, I am delighted that teams from both forces were able to work so closely together, and with such impressive results” Officers from Warwickshire Trading were issued for no MOT resulting in a £60 Standards inspected 52 vehicles and fine for the driver. seized counterfeit designer clothes Specials Inspector Ben Agar from the and footwear worth £140k retail Incident Resolution (Roads Policing) value from two of them all destined team said, “Our aim is to make the for Wellesbourne market. One of the roads safer for the majority of law vehicles that were carrying counterfeit abiding citizens by working alongside goods was also prosecuted for carrying partners to identify vehicles being driven excess weight. illegally. This was a great opportunity for The whole operation was led by • HM Customs & Excise prosecuted one my team to be able to share some roads Specials from both the Warwickshire person who was found to be using red diesel policing skills and experience with our and West Mercia forces, supported by in their vehicle. Enquiries are ongoing in colleagues – with results that speak for regular officers from the Warwickshire relation to a second vehicle. themselves!” Operational Support Unit (OSU) • Eight vehicles were seized for a variety What was unique about this operation of offences relating to insurance or driving was that Specials took the lead in many licenses. roles, from identifying ANPR hits, to • Twenty-one vehicles out of the 75 vehicles officers with the appropriate driving stopped were found to be unroadworthy authority stopping the vehicles identified. by VOSA due to problems with their Vehicles were escorted to a check site construction and use. where other Specials took the lead in • Six vehicles were found to have defective identifying offences and then progressed tyres or lights and the drivers were given the prosecutions accordingly. 14 days to get the defect fixed under the vehicle defect rectification scheme. Commenting on the operation, Specials • Four drivers received endorsable fixed Chief Officer for Warwickshire, Glyn penalty notices, three where their tyre Gardner said “We have had a specialist grooves were less than 1.6mm and one for roads policing and motorway team using a vehicle in a dangerous condition. SPECIAL IMPACT 5 Safer Travel West Yorkshire

Acting Section Officer 8004 Mohammed Asghar

Special Constables wanting to stations and interchanges across advised to leave the area. increase their experience of the county. The bus then travelled along undercover work are being Lumb Lane to an area identified invited to become part of a “This also provides by a local officer as being unique team that oversees the officers taking part synonymous with anti-social transport network across West behaviour. Four men who were Yorkshire. with a chance to acting suspiciously on a back develop their skills in street were stopped and spoken Safer Travel West Yorkshire is the area of partnership to and commented they couldn’t one of only two teams of Special working alongside believe “undercover” officers Constables in the Force with British Transport were working on the streets of a county-wide remit and they Bradford. are currently recruiting new Police and external members. organisations including Following up on intelligence transport executive reports the team visited Oak Specials joining the team do Metro as well as train Lane, Duckworth Lane and West not need to be ‘signed off’ for and bus operators Park Road where a cannabis independent patrol as training First, Arriva and Trans warning was issued to the will be provided with career occupant of a stationary vehicle. development opportunities for Dev.” those taking part. The shift ended with reassurance Anyone applying will have the visits to shops and transport Superintendent Keith Gilert, opportunity to work across the sites in the Frizinghall, Shipley and head of Safer Leeds, who oversee Force area on weekday evenings Keighley areas where valuable Safer Travel West Yorkshire, said: and Saturday day times. intelligence regarding drug dealing “This is a fantastic opportunity was recorded. for those who want to develop During a recent operation in their skills while helping to Bradford, officers from the team Superintendent Gilert, who reduce crime and anti-social used a single decker Trans Dev accompanied the Safer Travel behaviour across the transport bus as a Trojan vehicle to place West Yorkshire Team during their infrastructure of West Yorkshire. them unnoticed in the heart of evening shift, added: “I have seen Bradford Bus Station. This allowed at close hand the public appetite “Specific training will be given to officers to identify and speak to for this kind of proactive policing work on a variety of plain clothes three youths who were acting in and I am pleased to see a number and reassurance operations anti-social manner. After having of specials developing their skills on public transport and in the their details recorded they were as part of this specialist team.” 4 Issue 9 SPECIAL IMPACT Employer Supported Policing Scheme This issue we feature Delivered as our latest organisation to join the national Employer Supported Policing Scheme. Thames Valley and Chiltern logistics company Delivered has joined the national Employer Supported Policing (ESP) Scheme any training I need as a volunteer our customer service team, Alex and already has a member of police officer. I’m sure that a is diligent, amiable and skilled in its staff on providing help and advice to our the Slough lot more people would beat. Alex join the Special Woodage, Constabulary if who works in they had supportive the customer employers like mine; service it certainly is a team at the good initiative that company’s benefits everyone,” Reading says Alex Woodage. depot, has just Jon Barber, completed Delivered’s MD, is his first year very enthusiastic as a Special about the company’s Constable contribution to the with Thames community and says Valley Police. Alex is a great example clients. He has a good attitude of positive influence on and is popular with his colleagues; “Volunteering local society. we all wish him well in his as a Special policing endeavours.” Constable enables me to “We are pleased to be supporting give something back to my this initiative and Alex in Delivered provides nationwide community. I’m very grateful particular. The ESP Scheme is a parcel and pallet services as that my employer, Delivered, good way for well as recognises volunteer policing as a businesses international worthwhile use of my time - the throughout delivery and management and my colleagues the UK to warehousing. are very supportive. Although help their The company completely different from my local police offers APC day job, where I’m sending out forces and Overnight parcels and pallets of goods for communities parcel and our customers, I use many similar on a TPN pallet skills in dealing with the public to voluntary services and ensure they get help when they basis. services need it. Delivered is Thames “Delivered is an Option 3 now on the Valley and registered ESP member. This UK Home Chilterns means the company allows me Office register that lists British businesses from its local to take at least four hours paid businesses that actively support distribution centres in Reading, leave each month throughout the the Special Constabulary. Slough and High Wycombe. year to do my policing work and “In his demanding day job within

SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 9 7 Cheshire & GMP Football Duty contact to those on with Regular officers and were in need. briefed by Superintendent Retford. The Special One of the obstacles prior to Constabulary the event was that Cheshire were responsible Constabulary use Captor2 and not for an ‘outer zone’ CS Spray, therefore, communications surrounding the and custody were made aware stadium, namely and it was essential that a “Subject covering public Information Following Exposure to transportation P.A.V.A.” form was received should and major routes any officer need to deploy their to and from the incapacitant. Special Trafford Special Constabulary Lorraine invited officers from the Cheshire stadium. They Billingham Constabulary led by Special also covered said, “This Superintendent Adam Langley and surrounding car exchange the Oldham Division led by Special parks in the vicinity presented Inspector Jason Needham to assist of Stretford and Old an ideal with policing the Old Trafford Trafford as a crime opportunity Football Club MUFC v Arsenal operation initiative. to develop football event. The officers were links with Old Trafford has a proven track split into three Tiers neighbouring record of staging large scale events covering 3 main forces, and and the emphasis on the Specials areas each led by share best was to assist members of the public a SC Supervisor. practice - a with their queries and be a point of All officers were asked to parade key aim of the SC National Strategy.” Hampshire Special Constabulary & Metal Theft book quality arrest. intelligence and the fact that Part of Adam’s Intelligence the alleyway led to a telephone role is to identify crime exchange containing lots of metal series or trends in his Adam and his crewmate stopped area, and try and link for a chat. them to any potential Clearly realising the game was suspects. Combining up, the suspect opened a bag he his research skills, local was carrying to reveal a pair of Specials’ knowledge and heavy duty wire cutters; thus the co-operation of local booking himself a trip to custody Sergeants, Adam managed on suspicion of Going Equipped to identify a likely suspect to steal. for recent metal theft The man was subsequently offences in and around the charged, remanded and has and Liss area. pleaded guilty at court. Adam created a briefing Adam says of his experience: “Not tool slide highlighting only was this a very positive job the offences and suspect. based upon my dual roles within Shortly afterwards Hampshire Constabulary, but also Alton Special Adam Walch while on Special’s duty highlighted a fantastic one-team recently used his expertise in Petersfield, lo and behold he approach whereby everyone’s as a Police Staff Intelligence noticed the said individual acting contribution resulted in a charge, Researcher for & suspiciously near an alleyway. Due remand and resulting guilty plea East Hampshire to execute a text to the time of day, the recent from a well known offender.” 8 Issue 9 SPECIAL IMPACT OPERATION ALLOY Greater Manchester Police working with partners to reduce metal theft

Special Impact was invited to observe first hand roadside operations throughout the force, targeting Operation Thunder, organised and implemented vehicles being used to transport stolen metals that by the Operation Alloy team, to are approaching the high have numerous days of action risk scrap metal dealers. across the week to combat Serious Acquisitive Crime, Superintendent Craig Violence reduction and wanted Thompson, Silver persons as a result of DNA Commander, delivered Technology & Metal Theft . The the 0800 briefing to an operational objective was to visit, audience of regular officers, with partners and local divisional special constabulary and officers, high risk suspect scrap partners before they yards, plus undertake a number of were deployed to either Scrap Metal Dealers or to roadside check points throughout the force. Greater Manchester partners would also be working alongside officers and staff in the Silver Control.

At one of the roadside locations three special constables had had success with Haigh seizing a Subaru car under Section 165 for no insurance, and Special Constable Ann Muldowney out with Sergeant Robinson Metal theft has in the motorway reduced by over 59% enforcement vehicle since Operation Alloy having reported was implemented in for several offences summer 2011. SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 9 9 OPERATION ALLOY including mobile phone mis-use, no MOT and a prohibition issued Throughout the day, 260 vehicles for mechanical faults. were stopped and 100 persons At one of the Scrap Metal searched. 30 vehicles were seized for being driven without insurance, tax or in an anti social manner. 3 offenders were arrested for Theft of catalytic convertors and possession of drugs. A significant number of stolen property was recovered from Scrap Yards & Itinerant Collectors including TNT boxes, roll cages and Dealers, Special Constable Jack Electricity North West Cabling. Rotherham and Special Sergeant Partners working with Christie Steele GMP were from were working with the partners VOSA, Environmental to search the Agency, BT, Smartwater, premises, with Electricity North West, some successes, & Customs locating BT telecommunication Force said, “I would like to pass wire which were on my thanks onto the Special bagged and tagged, Constables involved in the days of and cable joints, action. Without their assistance cable , switch we would not have the results gear and link box that we had.” identified as Electricity North A total of 206 West property. Traffic Offence Reports were Since Special Impacts observation issued for on this operation, the GMP Road Traffic Specials have participated in Act Offences. a number of force wide days of action to target metal theft and illegal road users under John Woods, Operation Alloy. The most recent Assistant Co- one this month saw visits to ordinator for all Scrap Metal Dealers, ANPR the North Operations near to high risk West Regional locations and 8 vehicle check sites National Metal set up across the force. Theft Task 10 Issue 9 SPECIAL IMPACT DutySheet reporting takes tasking & deployment one step further

The introduction of the Special Constabulary will then be matched to an Integrated Neighbourhood resources are placed where in-force report which shows Policing Teams (INPTs) in they are needed throughout the force demands in terms Greater Manchester Police the Force within their INPTs of incidents. It is envisaged sees neighbourhood and – the greater the demand, that this information will investigation teams working the more resources are allow the force to deploy jointly to share knowledge, allocated. the Special Constabulary expertise and experience. when demand is greatest, Their main focus will be to Now DutySheet is helping not just where. That said, it is reduce crime, demand and to take the GMP Special important to still recognise reoffending, and work more Constabulary resource that the Special Constabulary closely with partner agencies planning one step further. A members volunteer their to help solve problems in report has been prepared time, and the Force will of communities. The Special by DutySheet, at GMP’s course, still be flexible to Constabulary are very much request, showing peaks receive Special officers when part of the new INPTs, and troughs throughout they are available. However, it and a demand distribution the week, hour by hour, is hoped that some Specials formula has been applied of when GMP Specials are will have the flexibility to in the same way as with volunteering their time in deploy when resources are the regulars to ensure that each Division/INPT. This needed the most.

Thank you for contributing to over 2.1 million hours of policing in 2012

www.dutysheet.com

SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 9 11 West Midlands Specials police Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport is the UK’s National Exhibition Centre. Official and who can be called upon in the seventh largest by passenger airport figures shows 1.5 “meeters event of interpreter assistance being numbers, with around nine million and greeters” per passengers. This required. Working at the airport passing through every year. It has means over 22 million people visit has helped SC Buckley – a veteran over 30 airlines offering scheduled the site every year. Many of these of forty years – to hone his French and charter flights and this number require assistance, even if it is simply skills, skills he last used, prior to is augmented during the main “pointing in the right direction” and working at the airport, back in his summer holiday period. Its runway the presence of the Airport Specials, school days. is currently being extended to allow with their encyclopaedic knowledge aircraft to fly direct to destinations of it, has helped the airport to be The working relationship between in the Far East and the west of twice voted Friendliest Airport the police and staff, and between the USA. In addition a large new by readers of Travel “Which?” Regular officers and Specials, is maintenance facility is being built Magazine. In addition 7000 people second to none, and this makes for Monarch. It has recently seen work here, either for the airport for a really good atmosphere. The investment in excess of sixty million itself or the many contract duties aren’t simply a PR exercise, pounds on the new International companies and retail outlets. though. Officers have to remain Pier and improved landside security 100% diligent at all times and are facility. It has on-site hotels, a cargo For many arriving travellers, involved in many security and anti- facility and five on-site car parks; the first police officer they see crime duties, which help to reassure it is connected to the West Coast (which is very likely to be in everyone using the airport, as well main line by its Air-Rail Link and the Immigration Hall) is likely as helping to keep recorded crime is a short distance from the M42 to be a Special Constable or levels very low. It helps that the motorway so is one of the easiest a neighbourhood officer. The Specials have full airside access so large airports to get to by road or Specials pride themselves on their can go anywhere on the airport rail. appearance to make sure they show site and the airport specials have the appearance of the British Bobby. predefined tasks to perform in the Until 2009 the Police Sergeant Debbie Cain (the event of an incident occurring. presence there consisted of Regular Specials’ manager) says, “The British officers, PCSOs (many of whom Bobby is well-known the world With new airlines and new were formerly Traffic Wardens at over and it is our responsibility destinations, the airport is looking the airport) and CTU; however, to ensure their first impression is to expand greatly over the next early that year it was decided to a very favourable one as we are few years and with it, the Specials advertise for Specials to join the ambassadors for the British police.” team is due to expand also. But it small Neighbourhood team. Such is not for everyone. As SO Martin was the interest shown that around The Specials and Regulars are Kadir says “If any would-be Airport 30 attended an open evening and frequently asked if they can have Specials are looking for blues and nine were ultimately successful in their photos taken with visitors twos, large-scale disorder and the selection process. from abroad and the requests are domestic incidents they need to never refused. Such photos can be aware that, although the place As a Neighbourhood, Birmingham now be found in all corners of the does have its moments, it takes a Airport is like no other. As well world. certain type of person to enjoy as the arriving and departing the unique challenge that policing passengers a large number of Visitors from abroad naturally speak the airport poses. The Airport is a other visitors either come to say many different languages, so SC busy and friendly place to work and “goodbye” to departing passengers Clive Buckley maintains a list of all a pleasure to police assisting our or to greet arriving ones or pass airport employees who have good regular colleagues who see us as an through to and from the adjoining knowledge of foreign languages integral part of the Airport team.” 12 Issue 9 SPECIAL IMPACT CASE STUDY As well as police related activities where. Some no longer wanted to and inputs I took part in the Duke of associate with me while others were Edinburgh award, First Aid and other very supportive although there is no courses that developed me further. question my role now had more of an impact on my social life. When did you decide to move into the volunteer programme What were the best bits about and what tasks did you do? being a Special? When I had finished my 42 week Being a special was a fantastic course as a cadet I was fortunate experience. Every weekend I would to be named best cadet and invited come on duty with regular officers back to help with the following year on the neighbourhood team. as a mentor. It gave me an opportunity to gain I wanted to continue learning and invaluable experience in as a front was keen to have more of a role line officer. It made me even more within the Police so decided to certain that this was the career for become a Police Support Volunteer me. as well. My role as a special eventually led As a Police Support Volunteer, to the opportunity of applying to I was attached to the Radcliffe be a Regular Student Officer and it Neighbourhood team and performed was situations that I had dealt with a mostly administrative role, although as a Special, along with all the time at times there was the opportunity I had invested volunteering, that got to work with PCSO’s helping with me through the most challenging Special Impact talks to community surveys and meetings. application process I have ever Ryan Page about his undertaken. Do you think your experience three roles different as a cadet and police support Would you recommend this volunteer helped you get into whole volunteering experience voluntary roles the Special Constabulary? to others wanting a career in within the Greater I applied and joined the Special the police family? Constabulary as soon as the Volunteering gives you the chance to Manchester Police opportunity arose. As well as show how committed and dedicated family and how these experience from my full time job you are, the more you are willing where I worked as a Customer to put into volunteering, the more helped him to achieve Service Supervisor at Dunelm reward you gain from it. Mill’s Contact Centre, experiences I now currently help run the Bury a regular police officer and qualifications as a Cadet and Cadet Scheme and constantly post. Volunteer definitely helped me join encourage the cadets to continue the Specials. onto the police support volunteers Why did you join GMP Cadets? As well as having access to invaluable and special constable roles. I joined the Bury cadet programme advice I had already began to learn I would recommend anyone who has in 2008; at the time I was still in and develop the core values that the opportunity and who wants a college and had always wanted the Police Service looks for when career in the Police to get involved in a career in the Police. A careers recruiting officers. volunteering. advisor told me about the Cadet Not only did it help me get in but scheme in Bury Division and I when I did my first tours of duty it Would you do it all again? applied. was much easier to integrate into a All my roles so far have allowed me At the time I wasn’t really sure on front line role as I was going on duty to learn the role of a Police officer the best way to get a career in the with officers who knew me from my from the ground up. It let me lay police, but wanted to get involved in volunteering role. strong foundations in which I can any way possible so that I could get now build my career as a regular a foot in the door and start learning What was the reaction of you Police Constable on. new skills. friends and family when you decided to join What were the best bits about the specials and being a Cadet? move to front The cadets gave me my first insight line policing? into the Police. We would receive I had a very mixed inputs from different departments response when I within GMP that inspired me more became a special to become an officer. Some of both positive and these inputs gave an insight into negative. Primarily departments that even full time my family were officers would not receive. very proud and The cadets gave me a chance from supportive although a young age to show how keen and a little worried committed I was, I was extremely about the dangers of lucky to be given the opportunity the job. as not a lot of young people get Along with my family a chance to get involved in their I quickly discovered chosen career so early. who my true friends SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 9 13 Met Specials Take-Over

Ch Supt David Snelling (Traffic OCU Commander) and Assistant Chief Officer Pat Holdsworth (now retired) along with some of the team deployed on the day.

They also assisted in dealing with have the same responsibilities and The Met has pioneered powers of regular officers and can what is believed to be a collision between a motorcyclist and a car in Islington, during be relied upon to deliver results.” national first after more than which the biker suffered serious a dozen specials attached injuries and was taken to hospital. to the Traffic Operational The shift was the first time Met Command Unit ran a shift Special Constabulary officers themselves. have tweeted about their experiences on duty from the @ In a statement, the Force MPSOnTheStreet account. confirmed that 15 volunteer officers dealt with 26 incidents as Ch Supt David Snelling, Traffic they took the helm – freeing up OCU commander, said: “The regular colleagues for a separate Traffic OCU MSC unit is made operation. up of team of officers who all contribute far in excess of their required hours. Sp Inspector James Smith weighing a “Some have specialist skills from suspected their day jobs that are relevant overweight vehicle to our field of work, such as engineering, collision investigation Special Inspector James Smith and law, which enables them to who participated in the initiative provide similar specialist support said “The level of training the to that of their regular Traffic Traffic specials receive allows colleagues.” them to afford support to the regular service all year round. “This MSC shift enabled the re- This initiative provides a brilliant tasking of the regular team to an demonstration of these skills, operation targeting illegal vehicles and the on-going contribution in support of the Commissioner’s the officers make to the Met’s Total Policing pledge.” Total war on crime. Being able to provide the resources for a ‘It was a great experi- whole shift shows that the regular ence for the MSC, and service has trust in the abilities of At the scene of a the Special Constabulary.” serious collision also helped to rein- force that we are com- The deployment saw petent to deal with all the Metropolitan Special types of incident’ Constabulary (MSC) called out SC Chief Officer John Conway to deal with a suspected burglar – who was later arrested and Acting Superintendent Ray Rogers charged – as well as a serious of the MSC and Volunteers collision on the A40, during which OCU said: “This initiative really The team brought a motorist the road was closed. highlights the fact that specials to safety after a serious crash on the A40. 14 Issue 9 SPECIAL IMPACT Norfolk Special Constabulary on Horseback

Special Constabulary officers on horseback have started countryside patrols as part of a campaign to target rural crime.

After months of working together with World Horse ever seen. Sadly 30 horses were found dead alongside Welfare, three specials and a Police Community an array of injured and neglected equines. Those that Support Officer carried out their first patrols on were saved were taken in by the RSPCA and a host of horseback. other horse welfare charities. The aim of the new mounted officers is to help tackle Bert was among 65 which were offered a loving new rural crime in the county and will be used as part of home at the Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Norfolk. the Constabulary’s successful Operation Randall. Following his rescue and recovery Bert was rehomed through the Redwings Guardianship scheme. And Temporary Chief Superintendent, Nick Dean, amazingly despite his awful past, he is now set to who leads the operation, said: “The scheme will patrol the streets of South Norfolk with his Guardian make a real difference as the mounted specials will Nicola Rix. Nicola is an equine staff member at offer a visible yet reassuring presence in the local Redwings and also a special constable for Norfolk communities where they will be patrolling. There is Constabulary. also no additional cost to the Constabulary as the specials use their own horses.” Nicola said: “I am so proud of Bert. His turnaround is remarkable and to be able to serve the community as The initiative will see three officers covering the a Special Constable – and to have Bert with me – is South Norfolk area and one officer patrolling the fantastic.” North Norfolk area and it is hoped, if successful, to be extended to other areas. Special Impact featured the The officers were assessed by World Horse Welfare Hertfordshire Specials on Horseback staff at the charity’s Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Snetterton in February. Field Officer Jacko back in Issue 3... Jackson and Hall Farm Assistant Centre Manager and was pleased to see these rural special Justina Smith carried out the assessments which constables starring in BBC One’s Countryfile TV involved the officers undertaking a competency test to ensure their suitability to perform the role, and Programme in January. their own horses were also assessed. The magazine show, presented by Julia Bradbury and Matt Baker, featured Special Constable Kate Jacko Jackson said: “We were really pleased with how Solomon, who patrols on horseback, and Richard the assessments went and the final outcome. They all achieved the required level of competence and we Downs, a local gamekeeper. Hertfordshire was hope that the officers will now go on to be a real the first county in the UK to introduce ‘Rural asset to the Constabulary. Re-introducing officers Special Constables’ - volunteers specifically tasked on horseback is a positive move as it allows them to be seen in areas of the countryside where they with tackling rural crime such as fly tipping, diesel traditionally may have not been seen.” theft and animal cruelty. A horse that was rescued following one of the Sergeant Jamie Bartlett, from Hertfordshire Con- RSPCA’s biggest ever equine investigations is now set to patrol the streets of Norfolk in his new role as a stabulary’s Rural Operation Support Team who “special constable”. Bert was just one of more than has overall responsibility for the rural specials, 100 horses, ponies and donkeys who were rescued said: “We were delighted to have BBC Countryfile by the RSPCA and other equine charities from a farm in Amersham, Buckinghamshire in 2008. It was one pay an interest in how Hertfordshire polices its of the largest equine cruelty cases the country had rural communities. SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 9 15 North West delivers new Volunteer Leadership Course

Greater Manchester Police have Delegates can choose whether “I found in very enjoyable and been approved by Skills for Justice they wish to continue learning informative and through that to deliver an accredited learning post weekend course to obtain programme in Volunteer Leadership. the accreditation, and 29 attendees established some new ideas that 41 delegates have taken up this I hope to bring back to my divi- from option. sion” Cumbria, Special Sgt Craig Winstanley GMP, North The delegates Wales, were a mix of Thames paid managers “The course was excellent” Valley Police, of volunteers Ben Stephenson, Scouts North and volunteer Association Yorkshire supervisors. , Sergeant Karl “Just wanted to say thank you for the Scout Stoney said “This Association was the first time the course this weekend. I did and Greater this course has enjoy it. I especially enjoyed being Manchester been ran, but I able to speak with people from Fire Service cannot recommend other areas and exchanging ideas attended the weekend training at it enough.” and seeing different management Sedgley Park Training centre. As part of the development process styles and being able to see what The course is primarily aimed at a full evaluation is being conducted works for them” people who manage the activities and all delegates have been asked SC Osama Mudasser of a volunteer or leads a team to provide comments on-line via of volunteers. The overall aim Survey Monkey. These comments “I thoroughly enjoyed the of the course is to increase the will have an influence on future understanding of the value of course content and availability. weekend and was able to obtain emotional intelligence and apply Delegates have also been asked if a fair amount of notes for my the principal they would project. of inspirational be happy for leadership to their email I am sure by the end of the motivate and addresses to retain teams of be shared weekend following the end of volunteers. Sessions to allow your presentations, all the include; Leadership for ongoing audience should feel they’ve and learning sharing learnt something, and feel em- styles, Maximising of ideas powered and will want to deliver volunteer and the retention, Leading response some of what they have learnt by example, Sharing has been and that they also have a better responsibilities, very understanding of the solutions How pre- positive for problems they come up existing trust and for this. against on a daily basis” confidence influences communication, Early comments from delegates Problem Solving, Decision making and immediately after shown in the SC Chief Inspector Lorraine Moving forwards. column. Billingham 16 Issue 9 SPECIAL IMPACT RURAL CRIME Staffordshire Specials Support Rural Crime

· Disrupting and deterring criminal activity and apprehending offenders

· Proactively stopping and checking vehicles, and persons, gathering and updating intelligence reports

· Assisting local authorities, Natural England, the Environment Agency, DEFRA, RSPCA and RSPB by carrying out farm visits, estate patrols, patrolling areas of natural beauty, National Forest estates, Forestry Commission land, liaising with game keepers and supporting park rangers.

Deputy Chief Officer of Specials Simon Anderson said: “We are fortunate to live in The 8 officers on location are from left to right: S/Inps Syd Ambrose, S/Sgt Stuart Fletcher, S/Sgt county with large rural areas but that in itself Richard Till, SC Robert Hartley, S/Sgt Paul Burgess, presents a wide variety of policing problems. SC Insp Sean Long, S/Sgt Richard Gibson, S/Sgt Cheryl Large areas require proactive regular patrols Birch, the lady in the lilac/purple coat is Sandra Dudley to deter would-be criminals from targeting of the Staffordshire Badger Group isolated properties or even the wildlife itself.

A team of Special Constabulary Officers from “These officers will be trained to deal with a dedicated to supporting the Local wide variety of offences and will work closely with our Policing Teams Rural Crime and Wildlife Officers, have partner agencies. We are really excited to be given the recently formed from within the Staffordshire Specials. opportunity to be involved in such an important policing initiative. The team of specially trained Wildlife and Rural Crime Specials will be stationed throughout the county to deal with reported incidents and proactively patrol vulnerable rural areas to disrupt criminal activity.

The Special Constables will provide a valuable visible police presence to ensure communities feel safe, reassured and confident, that wildlife and rural crime is being tackled.

As dedicated Wildlife and Rural Crime Specials their role will be to support regular officers working within their own areas and on joint agency operations.

They will provide the following services:

· High visibility patrols in wildlife and rural crime hot spots force wide to provide community reassurance The 3 officers over the badger sett entrance are from left to right S/Sgt Richard Gibson, S/Sgt Richard Till · Crime prevention advice Overlooked by SC Insp Syd Ambrose SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 9 17 PHOTO COMPETITION SPECIALS ON SNOW PATROL Staffordshire Surrey Given the amount of snow across England and Wales this year we asked you to send in photos of Specials on Patrol… Thank you to all of you who entered. WINNING PHOTO Barnsley South Yorkshire Deputy District Officer Adam Faunt, South Yorkshire SC

Cleveland Barnsley

Lanacshire Caerphilly

The winner received Book Vouchers from Oxford University Press Northumbria

This is a photo of SC Andy who were stuck in the snow, so we Waters on shift in the snow the got out and pushed them up the night of Friday 18th January 2013 - bank until they could move under Andy is an Special Constable based their own steam. Needless to say SPECIAL at Newcastle Area Command and they were extremely grateful, and has almost 20 years service as a were hopefully left with a good THANKS Special. Andy says, “I was working impression of . a 2200-0700 shift with the Road Safety Unit on Friday night. Under the snow plan, each vehicle was allocated a particular major road in the force area, tasked with reporting on road conditions. Our shift Inspector allocated the vehicle I was in to the A696 (from the A1 near the airport, through Belsay and Otterburn, then up to the Scottish Border on the A68). Fortunately, most motorists had heeded the warnings and stayed off the road, so there were few Sponsors of the weather-related incidents that night. We did encounter a group Snow Patrol of young motorists in Otterburn Competition

18 Issue 9 SPECIAL IMPACT Essex SPECIALS DAY OF ACTION

OSG OPERATION WITCHCRAFT

Operational Support Group Special Constables some great evidence, assisted with a Day of Action by leading ‘Operation made some excellent Witchcraft’. arrests and no doubt prevented further This operation tackled outstanding arrest warrants incidents. Thank you across the county, targeting serious crime, the to everyone who supply of drugs and burglaries in an effort to turned out very support Neighbourhood Policing Teams. early on a Saturday morning to assist Warrants were executed in rapid succession with with this.” a high-impact approach, utilising covert units and carriers of Specials eager to place handcuffs on the The OSG Specials next offender. are ever developing their skills to assist Special with tasking’s that Inspector ultimately support the Alexander core of Ward, S/Silver - neighbourhood of the operation policing. There are currently 26 Specials on OSG, commented: with the team having committed 7,642 hours of “We’ve created work, resulting in 69 arrests and 254 attempted this operation warrants since Reform. to support our NPT colleagues, “The work of your team has been brought to my both regular attention around the support you provided for and special, in Operation Witchcraft, the breadth of added value bringing those including arrests, intelligence and critical incident is responsible impressive. for crime These results do not happen by accident and require into custody. solid leadership. Well done and please pass on my Through this thanks to the team.” Chief Superintendent, Simon we’ve seized Williams, Operational Policing Command.

SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 9 19 College of Policing

Constabulary matters. This document is being Upddesigneda as a ‘Specialte Constabulary handbook’. It is envisaged that the handbook will serve to identify and highlight aspects such as current regulations, national guidance and advice which have relevance on a range of Special Constabulary issues and considerations. It is not intended that the handbook will have legal or mandatory standing - it is being designed as a way to provide a useful and informative guide, Official Launch of College with a key aim being to ensure the content will The College of Policing was officially launched have practical applications by stakeholders. at an event on Monday 4th February. Speaking at the launch, Policing Minister Damian Green The handbook will be produced in electronic described it as an “historic occasion” and said format and made available online. Once the police service and the public would see the issued it will be subject to ongoing review and benefits of the College, which would be the maintenance to ensure its content remains up- “professional heart of policing” and restore to-date. public confidence, improve integrity and cut bureaucracy in policing. Independent Patrol In May 2010 NPIA introduced the Initial New College Chair Announced Learning Programme for the Special The College of Policing now has an Constabulary (IL4SC). This provides the Independent Chair, following the appointment learning required for special constables to safely of Professor Shirley Pearce. The announcement commence accompanied patrol. Following of Professor Pearce’s appointment was the publication in 2011 of the standards for contained in a Written Ministerial Statement achieving independent patrol status for Special made by Home Secretary Theresa May on Constables, the College of Policing has been 1st February 2013. The Home Secretary commissioned to identify the learning required commented that “Professor Pearce will bring to fill the gap between accompanied patrol and extensive experience in the education and independent patrol, thereby extending IL4SC. professionalisation arenas, and significant A questionnaire has been sent to all forces and senior leadership experience to her role at the following an initial analysis of the data returns College.” Professor Pearce brings with her a from forces, a consultation event took place at wealth of knowledge in developing the health Ryton on Thursday 7th March to discuss the professions, higher education, research and preliminary findings in more detail. Outcomes development, and working in partnership across from this consultation event are now being sectors to further joint interests. worked upon.

Special Constabulary handbook College of Policing is pleased to support Special Following discussions at the Special Impact Constabulary National Consultative Group, the College is leading on progressing work to develop a national document to act as a reference guide for use by force practitioners, Follow us line managers, specials, applicants and other policing stakeholders with an interest in Special @SCImpactmag