SUMMER 2014 | Issue 15

National Lord Ferrers Awards See pages 6-7 Welcome to Gwent Chief Officer Retires Issue 15 which Special Chief is crammed full Officer Peter of articles that Howells is retiring demonstrate from the Special how the Constabulary Special after 44 years of Constabulary service. Peter have been began his Special raising the Constabulary awareness career with South of the role Wales Police in over the last September 1969 3 months, as and then later with well as showing how Forces have been Gwent in 1972. recognising the contribution Specials He worked his bring to policing. way up to Special In April National Specials Weekend took Constabulary place, with many different operations Sergeant in 1980, and initiatives running throughout the became an Inspector in 1981, and then achieved Divisional country aiming to showcase the value Commandant in Newport in 1982. He was appointed to of the work the Special Constables Headquarters Commandant in 1992, Deputy Chief Officer in are doing and how they contribute to 1995 and finally Chief Officer in 1996. He represented the keeping communities safe. Welsh Region at the Special Constabulary National Consultative In May, National Give and Gain Day Group for national policy meetings; he was a founding member enabled Employer Supported Policing to of the National Strategy Project Team and a member of the be promoted, and once again Greater National Recruitment Standard Project team. He was a member Manchester Specials invited their of the National Strategy Implementation Oversight Board. employers down to observe them in Peter received the OBE in 2005 for his work with the Special action. Constabulary and the Mountain Rescue Service. June brought along National Volunteers Week, and certainly in my regions, it was great to see Specials, Police Support Volunteers and Cadets involved Merseyside in events together. Volunteers’ Week appoint new SC is a great opportunity for Forces to recognise and celebrate volunteers Chief Officer and the incredible contribution they Merseyside Police have make to our communities. Volunteers appointed Geoff Cheshire as are an integral part of policing, and the new Chief Officer for its without their dedication, energy and Special Constabulary. Geoff was commitment, the incredible contribution appointed at the end of May and they make to policing would not is a former police officer having happen. retired from the force in April Since April until mid-June the North after 30 years service. He has a West Special Constabulary have strong background in uniformed given 136,800 hours of their time to operational policing having supporting policing– which is absolutely served at all ranks up to and fantastic. But it’s not just about including Chief Inspector, with the majority of his service being the hours – as Sir Peter Fahy, Chief in the Liverpool BCUs. Constable, said in his Forcewide email At the point of his retirement, Geoff was head of Training at the beginning of Volunteers Week Delivery for the force. He has completed the Senior Leadership “Policing is too important to be left to Development Programme at Bramshill, and has an MSc in the police and has to be a community Critical and Major Incident Psychology from Liverpool University. wide effort. Here in GMP we want to On his appointment Geoff said “It is my ambition to ensure facilitate this by offering a range of that the Special Constabulary is wholly integrated into the volunteering opportunities that will organisation and that we are strongly placed to offer the very connect communities to policing and best support to our regular colleagues and the communities of policing to communities.” Merseyside”. Once again, I thank all the forces who have submitted articles without which the publication would not happen! Follow us on Subscription Enquiries Enjoy the stories! Twitter If you would like to join Special Impacts e-subscription list please email the editor: Tina Shelton [email protected] Editor @SCImpactMag

2 SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 15 Gwent Police announces new Chief Officer Assistant Chief Constable Lorraine Bottomley said: “It’s the 30th year of Volunteers’ Week, when members of the public are encouraged to get involved in volunteering and organisations celebrate the work of their volunteers. It is timely for us to announce the appointment of our new Chief Officer Richard Jones who I am confident will lead us forward to begin a new chapter for the Special Constabulary. Richard has an impeccable record of strategic, management and practical experience of Wales and indeed Gwent. I look forward to working closely with him for the good of the community and the Special Constabulary. Special Constabulary Chief Officer Richard Volunteer Leaders Course Jones took up his post at the beginning of the GMP has launched a one-day National Volunteers Week. workshop focused on supporting paid staff that work with and manage volunteers. The first 3 dates have “sold out” however there are spaces for 4th Simply register NOW for your chance December to win either an iPad mini, Kindle Email [email protected] Fire HD or £50 Amazon voucher To enter this FREE prize draw simply call us or go online and request a quote before 30th September

Prizes 1st: iPad mini 16GB 2nd: Kindle Fire HD 3rd: £50 Amazon Voucher

Special Constables Suzanne Stevens and Tomasz Domanski with the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne, who interviewed them for her monthly Vlog recently http://www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk/?s=vlog

Special Constables are to be invited to join the Police Federation as full subscribing members after a favourable vote at the body’s Annual General Meeting. The conference motion stated Specials wanting to join will be required to pay the same rate of subscription to the voluntary fund as serving officers in order to access the full range of membership services. This currently stands at £21.58 a month. Whilst the vote at conference was an acceptance of the principle, it will require the Government to make a Call 0161 762 4416 NOW! change to Police Regulations to allow this to happen. There is no current or visit www.policeinsure.co.uk timescale for this change. Follow us on: www.facebook.com/PoliceInsure @PoliceInsure

A5 Summer Competition Leaflet.indd 1 14/07/2014 11:47 Issue 15 SPECIAL IMPACT 3 Cumbria Specials support Appleby Fair Every year since 1685 when the market charter was available over the four day period. That is a major granted, travellers and gypsies have descended contribution so please accept my sincere thanks” on Appleby-in-Westmorland for the annual horse fair. Each June Appleby’s normal population of Superintendent Sean Robinson who was the 2,500 swells to accommodate 30,000 travellers, Gold Commander for the event met with some gypsies and visitors. Appleby Fair is the largest of the team on the Sunday and was full of praise horse fair in the world and always falls during and thanks for the support given by the Special National Volunteers Week. The event requires a Constabulary. lot of policing resources and the Special Constabulary are an important part of this, carrying out prisoner transport and assisting with traffic management.

This year the Special Constabulary volunteered a total of 797 hours to policing the fair. In total 515 hours were duties carried out primarily crewing the arrest vehicles and the remaining 282 hours were worked within the Neighbourhood Policing Teams across the county. 55 officers worked at least one duty over that 4 day period, which is 50% of the Special Constabulary team.

Chief Officer Paul Cretney sent his thanks to all officers involved saying “I really value the support you have provided. To put this in context, it is effectively an extra 20 full time officers

4 SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 15 OPERATION SEASHELL Special Constables from Dorset and Wiltshire no insurance, another Police joined together to work recently on reported for driving a Operation Seashell. Operation Seashell is an vehicle with an insecure operation staffed entirely by Special Constables load, another arrested aimed at targeting the increase in commercial for drink driving and was and dwelling burglaries taken to around the borders of the custody county. On this occasion and the Operation consisted of 6 Special Constables from Wiltshire Police along provided a breath sample of with 7 Special Constables over 3 times the drink drive from Dorset Police. Efforts limit – he has been charged with were focused around drink driving. Gillingham, Shaftesbury, Mere and Tisbury. Special Constables James Natoli and Shane How (Dorset) also Special Constable Colin saved an owl’s life as they Wrigglesworth acted rescued him from the middle as ‘control’ and monitored fixed Automatic of the A30 near Shaftesbury – they named him Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras from Hedwig! Shaftesbury station. A huge number of stop checks were conducted by all and although no burglars Chief Officer Debi Potter says “This was a great were disrupted or detained there were numerous piece of collaborative work between Dorset and positive outcomes. One male was reported for Wiltshire Special Constabulary and I am so pleased that we did our bit saving Hedwig the rescued owl!”

Issue 15 SPECIAL IMPACT 5 LORD FERRERS WINNERS

Ferrers Special Constabulary – Individual Award Winner Lord Ferrers Winners with Policing Minister Damian Green and Home Secretary Theresa May Christine Smith, Gwent Police Runner-Up Jane Harrison, Merseyside National Lord Police Ferrers Awards 2014 Outstanding Special Constables and Police Support Volunteers Ferrers Special received awards at the House of Commons on 23rd June. Constabulary – Team Award

Home Secretary Theresa May and Policing Minister Damian Winner Green attended the awards ceremony to recognise the Wiltshire Specials Team dedication and hard work of Special Constables and Police Support Volunteers Runner-up Midlands Specialist Plying Now in their 21st year, the Lord Ferrers Awards recognise the outstanding team contribution of teams and individuals. Employer Supported Policing Award Home Secretary Winner Theresa May said Caerphilly County Borough “All Special Council – CSAS Community Constables Safety Warden Scheme and Police Support Runner-Up Lord Ferrers Runners up pictured with Policing Volunteers Doncaster Council Minister Damian Green and Home Secretary make a vital Theresa May contribution Neighbourhood Response Team

6 SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 15 LORD FERRERS WINNERS

Police Support Volunteer – Individual Award Winner Winner Chris Channon – Nottinghamshire Police Runner-Up Stephen Maitland – Durham Police

Police Support Volunteer – Ferrers SC Individual Runner up: Team Award Jane Harrison, Merseyside Winner Met Police Visual Images energy shown exceptional candidates were Identification and Detection by the winners shortlisted. Office is truly inspiring. Policing Minister Damian Green I want to thank said “Special Constables and Runner-up them for their Police Support Volunteers professionalism make a vital contribution Barry Island Watch – South and selfless Wales Police to our communities, acting contribution of time as advocates for the police, - all the nominees increasing understanding and every day to cutting crime and are evidence that building cooperation and trust. making their communities a volunteers can really make a The standard of nominations better place to live and work. The difference to the communities in for the awards this year has Lord Ferrers Awards celebrate which they serve.” been very high with a diverse the outstanding commitment range of achievements from of some exceptional Special Police forces from across England and Wales submitted a individuals and teams. I would Constables and Police Support like to congratulate the winners Volunteers and the drive and total of 94 nominations to the Home Office, from which the and thank them for their ongoing selfless commitment to making their communities safer.” Assistant Chief Constable Richard Bennett from the College of Policing said “The Lord Ferrers Awards recognise the invaluable work of Special Constables and Police Volunteers who freely give their time, skills and links with communities to support the work of the police service. Last year the Special Constabulary alone provided 4.5 million hours of policing service. These awards celebrate some of the important contributions that individuals and teams of volunteers made to local forces and communities in Ferrers PSV Team Runner up: Ross that time and it is a pleasure to Cleland and Wayne Chant from recognise them at such a special Barry Island, South Wales occasion.”

Issue 15 SPECIAL IMPACT 7 NATIONAL SPECIALS WEEKEND The work of the Special Constabulary was event. brought into the spotlight across National Specials Weekend which took place 4-6th April In addition to the Marine Policing Unit officers, 2014. The weekend is designed to highlight over 50 Specials policed the banks of the the vital role performed by the Special River Thames to ensure the event passed Constabulary and the ongoing contribution its safely. Elsewhere across the Capital, more members make to policing their communities. than 1,200 Metropolitan Special Constabulary Thousands of Special Constables across [MSC] officers took part in a range of planned England and Wales took to the streets operations and events, adding to the work that emphasising the unique link that Specials the MSC officers usually volunteer to take part create between the police and the in each weekend. communities they serve and Special Impact showcases some of the many policing activities Grand National weekend at Aintree, that the Specials were deployed to throughout Liverpool is always one of the busiest times this annual event. for Merseyside and this year more than 40 Merseyside Police Special Constables were at This year’s Varsity Boat Race between Oxford Aintree race course providing reassurance and and Cambridge allowed the Metropolitan dealing with issues during the three day event. Special Constables from the Marine Policing A further 70 Special Constables undertook Unit to make their contribution to the National positive action duties, so people were able to Specials Weekend crewing inflatable boats enjoy the city in a safe environment. Working and providing a visible presence on the River with their regular counterparts, the Specials Thames during this high-profile televised put measures in place to address issues such

8 SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 15 Regular & special Constables parading at Bideford on Take Over day

Left to Right:: PC Broadribb, SC Lambden, Sgt McSweeney, SC Prior, SC Rookes & PC Edwards as personal safety and alcohol and drug Nearly 100 Special Constables from related violence. Leicestershire Police were out in force on the streets of Leicester and Rutland alongside Devon & Cornwall Specials took part in a busy regular officers protecting communities and ‘Take Over’ day in North Devon in which they tackling crime. The Specials were involved crewed up with regular officers and took the in Automatic Number Plate Recognition lead role when dealing with incidents. The (ANPR) operations, Special Constables patrolling Operation crewed response Tiger territories, cars at Barnstaple, carrying out Bideford and warrants and Holdsworthy and working on various dealt with a large other operations and varied number across the city of incidents. These and counties, included shoplifters, such as cross- a neighbourhood border criminality dispute, a stolen and burglary. caravan, criminal Recruitment stands were also displayed across damage, drug arrests, domestic incidents and Leicester. Police and Crime Commissioner Sir a male who was self harming with a knife. Clive Loader said: “I fully support the efforts of Specials in South Devon focused on vehicle Leicestershire Police to increase the number crime, shoplifting with high visibility foot patrol of Special Constables by 33%, from 300 to 400 in town centre locations, traffic operations and officers by 2016, in line with the expectations night time economy patrol with the focus on set in my Police and Crime Plan.” violent crime prevention.

Issue 15 SPECIAL IMPACT 9 Operation ‘BRIGHT’, Dorset

Operation Bright took place in Dorset, hitting West Mercia Special Constables focused on the roads in a “No Excuse” style deployment, road safety and community engagement; particularly focusing on several hotspots having specials deployed in the daytime where fatal road traffic accidents had conducting patrols of routes where there have occurred. By the end of the day, 188 motoring been a number of previous incidents and offences had been identified either by officers speed enforcement at key locations across or by mobile cameras, 22 tickets had been Herefordshire. They also carried out high issued and one vehicle had been seized. visibility patrols in Hereford City Centre and

Herefordshire Policing Area Specials : (Left to Right) SC Dan BROOKES, SC Inspector Martin FERGUSSON, SC Dom CANVIN, SC Chief Inspector Chris SMITH, SC Rachel RAISBOROUGH and SC James HELYER

10 SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 15 identified bogus caller hotspot areas. In the online application form. evenings Special Constables carried out checks of licensed premises and conducted high West Midlands Special Constabulary engaged visibility public order patrols of town centres in Operation Trivium, a national operation to support their regular colleagues. Officers relating to foreign organised crime gangs, as also attended sheltered accommodation and well as deploying Specials to operations in identified hot spots to give out key information in relation to phone and internet scams, rogue partnership with VOSA, Border Agency and traders and bogus callers. Activities were other agencies. tweeted throughout the weekend and raised Across Greater Manchester 206 special awareness that more specials are wanted constables were out on the streets focussing across Warwickshire Police and West Mercia on distraction burglary, burglary and Police, using #SCWeekend14 and #fatal4. rogue traders. A total of 1,936 hours were

undertaken, carrying out 133 patrols across A series of recruitment events took place the Force from Friday evening until the early hours on Monday morning. Over 40 stop and searches were performed; nearly 30 crime enquiries and 20 reassurance visits were just some of the activities undertaken over the weekend as well as the 49 planned operations and events across the Force.

Recruitment events took place at Asda in Eastland’s, Manchester where nearly 50 people expressed an interest in becoming a Special and Specials promoted across West Yorkshire recruitment throughout the in Rochdale weekend and a new town centre section of the West too. Six Special Yorkshire Police Constables website was launched were Employer to include videos of Supported with the Specials in action, a their policing over ‘myth buster’ to dispel the weekend (BNY some of the common misconceptions Mellon, Greater associated with the Manchester role, as well as an Travel and GMP).

Issue 15 SPECIAL IMPACT 11 Cumbria Special Constables patrols. 30 Special Constables in Kendal were called upon to were out performing duties; their help with the search of missing activities included 12 targeted person. They also helped with Hi-Visibility patrols, a community response patrols, assisting in group visit, 5 drug seizures, 36 arrests and vehicle checks. licensing checks and 6 arrests. The focus changed into the In addition, 29 Specials attended evenings with managing the night initial training and Personal Safety time economy. Training.

In Workington, Special Dyfed-Powys developed plans for Constables had been assigned each county that highlighted the to check on any antisocial role of the Special Constabulary behaviour incidents in the area, and the benefits they bring to however after a serious road policing. Pembrokeshire Specials traffic collision occurred in the were on patrol in Haverfordwest town centre, they were quickly town centre during Saturday sent to the area to assist with evening to provide high visibility road closures, keeping cordons in policing and ensure people were place and helping with crowds in safe while enjoying an evening the area. out. In Powys Breconshire’s Special Constables took part in several policing Special Constables from North Cumbria, together operations, including a plain clothes covert with their counterparts in Durham and North operation targeting criminal damage within Yorkshire organised a special joint operation residential areas of the town, a search warrant which ran over the weekend. which proved positive and bolstered the response to the late night economy following a Operation Lynx saw four Cumbria Special busy sporting weekend. Special Sergeant Gareth Constables join their colleagues in stopping Morris and his team were out on patrol in the vehicles and gathering intelligence to help build rural areas of the county. In Carmarthenshire a picture of any criminal activity that was taking Specials on patrol in Ammanford arranged with place across the border. Other Specials in North the South Wales Guardian and the Llanelli Star to Cumbria assisted their colleagues in dealing with take part in interviews. antisocial behaviour incidents and patrolling the night time economy over the weekend. South Wales Specials conducted two days of operations focused on community engagement What made the National Specials Weekend, so and anti-social behaviour prevention as well special in North Wales was that it coincided with as supporting the policing at the Premiership the North Wales 40th Anniversary Open Day. The Football at Cardiff City Stadium. Over in Swansea Open Day was attended by many hundreds of Special Constables provided a weekend of North Wales residents who had travelled to the engagement, working with the Safer Swansea event from across the region. The Specials were Team and also policed the ‘X Factor’ auditions in on hand to offer assistance and advice to members Swansea City Centre. The Roads Policing Unit also of the public who were interested in becoming a conducted a Road Safety operation. Special Constable in the near future.

North Wales Specials undertook 277 hours of policing across the weekend with 19 pre-planned events taking place.

Gwent Specials theme this year, ‘reducing and preventing violence’ was set by DCC Bottomley and saw Specials deployed to tackle underage drinking/drunkenness through proactive licensing engagement, engagement with licensees or a designated officer at the premise and public order

12 SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 15 NATIONAL VOLUNTEERS’ WEEK

National Volunteers’ Week is an annual event which took place on 1-7 June. It celebrates the contribution made by millions of volunteers across the UK. From showcasing the different volunteering roles on offer, taster sessions and team challenges with new partners, to volunteer recruitment events, awards ceremonies and launching new volunteering campaigns, events take place throughout the country Greater Manchester Police Special Constables, on the Force Website, and there were many Cadets and Police Support Volunteers were events and operations. The Chief Constable recognised for the time that they give to sent out a Forcewide message at the beginning supporting policing within local neighborhoods of the week to all paid staff recognising the across the week as well as the Force being value volunteers given the opportunity to raise the profile of the bring to policing, and Citizens in Policing Programme within GMP. the week ended with a Social Media was very active throughout the Celebration week, Profile of the Day was released daily event for the forces’ Citizens in Policing hosted by ACC Garry Shewan where certificates of service and tie-pins were presented. The Special Constables event reflected on the weeks activities with a Support Charity Day DVD showing photos of all the weeks’ activities. Special Inspector Maureen Conwell was chosen by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) as one of the 30 national ambassadors to represent voluntary organisations across the UK during Volunteers Week.

Greg Howard has been awarded Cumbria Constabulary Special Constable of the Year, following his outstanding commitment to his local community.

Six GMP Special Constables were involved in the Manchester & Cheshire Dogs’ home fun day at Debdale Park, Manchester recently, primarily engaging with the local community around the park. There was also a stall where the Specials offered crime prevention advice and promoted the Special Constabulary, with a police car for the children to sit in. The officers also obtained 17 expressions of interest forms from potential new Specials. The dogs’ home were really grateful for the Special Constabulary presence on the day, with the event being a success for Chief Constable Bernard Lawson, Chief Officer them - both with the money they raised, and also Paul Cretney, Special Constable Greg Howard, having 1 dog adopted on the day. See more at High Sheriff of Cumbria Martyn Hart www.dogshome.net

Issue 15 SPECIAL IMPACT 13 Employers support Special Constables in helping the local community on National Give and Gain Day 2014 Greater Manchester Police Special Constabulary was again involved in national Give and Gain Day 2014 which celebrates employer supported volunteering. Over 60 Special Constables took part in the day where they carried out a range of activities including warrants, offender visits and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) operations. Fourteen companies took part, giving staff who are Specials a day’s paid leave. Some of the employers attended on the day to be given the opportunity to see what their staff do first hand as a Special.

“Last year the companies that “A well organised enjoyable day. I • 34 vehicles seized support our Special Constables would appreciate more days of • 77 vehicles examined contributed 7,516 hours of time action like this” to support policing the Greater SC Nicola Anti supported by John • 12,542 ANPR scans Manchester Communities. I would Lewis/Waitrose Group like to thank the Specials and their “Great to be out doing specific • 11 arrests supporting companies for taking tasks and working as a team” • Mobile phone seizure part in Give & Gain Day 2014 to SC Suzanne Forrest supported by help make Greater Manchester a RSA Insurance • Mobile phone safer place to be.” ACC Garry Shewan “Having my employer observing on intelligence the day meant that she could see • 2 cannabis farms (538 exactly what I do when I volunteer “I thoroughly enjoyed the day. as a Special Constable. She said plants) discovered It was a great opportunity for that it made her realise what a me to see what a fantastic job difficult role I do and that GMP • DWP fraud evidence the specials do to make our would be lost without the Special seized communities a safer place to Constabulary. We all got a lot from live. The skills they demonstrate the day and I look forward to the Companies Supporting Give & Gain Day such as team work and managing next one “ RSA Insurance, VWR International, conflict are desirable skills to SC Carmen Thompson supported by Department for Work and Pensions have in any workplace. I was Department of Work & Pensions (DWP), Bury Council, HBOS, CHEP overwhelmed at how passionate UK, GMP, AKW Group, Tesco and professional they were. I have “Lots of variety and challenges (Manchester Gorton Extra), NHS Blood the utmost respect for the Special for the day to help maximise and Transplant, Halifax, John Lewis & Constabulary.” enjoyment” Waitrose Group, Ofsted and Siemens plc Carla Fraternale (Employer) SC Fabian Murphy supported by Rochdale Jobcentre Plus Halifax

14 SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 15 Special Constabulary to receive Queen’s award for Voluntary Service Outstanding UK voluntary groups have been deserved honour, I am not surprised by it. honoured as winners of The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, which recognises and sets I have worked across four different the national benchmark for excellence police forces in my career and in volunteering. The work of those unquestionably the Kent Special honoured has been judged to be of Constabulary is the best I have ever the highest standard, and amongst seen. They are in a different league.” the winners this year are Kent Police’s volunteer police officers, the Kent Policing Minister Damian Green said: Special Constabulary whom Her “It is wonderful news for Kent, and Majesty has recognised for “Providing it is wonderful news for the Special Innovative Community Focused Constabulary nationally. I’m delighted Policing to the People of Kent.” that, as volunteers, they have been recognised as being at the forefront Kent Special Constabulary is the of innovation and community first (and only) Special Constabulary focussed policing.” to have been recognised for their excellence by HM The Queen through the award of the most prestigious “As the National recognition there is for a voluntary Lead for Citizens in group. Policing I would like Kent Special Constabulary will be to congratulate Kent presented later this year with a certificate signed by HM The Queen Special Constabulary on to mark their achievement and a winning the prestigious commemorative crystal trophy. Queen’s Award for Voluntary Chief Officer Gavin McKinnon of the Kent Special Constabulary said: “We are very Service. The motivation and proud of our achievement of this hallmark of commitment of Kent’s ‘Specials’ excellence, and the recognition it brings to the hard work, dedication and commitment that both as individuals and as a volunteer police officers in Kent demonstrate team is clearly evident. They every day in support of the regular police force and in the service of their community. deserve their success, and the Serving as a Special Constable is a decent and public service they provide is honourable calling, and a really great way to give something back to society by helping keep invaluable.” people safe and working to solve issues in the community.” Deputy Chief Constable Michael Force Chief Constable Alan Pughsley said: Banks from the Association of “While I am delighted that our volunteer officers have received this magnificent and well Chief Police Officers

Issue 15 SPECIAL IMPACT 15 Regular officer to Special Constable

Retired officer Russ Hall tells Special Impact about his transition from regular officer to Special, and how his passion for sailing has motivated him to continue to help others. Having completed 30 years pensionable service on 11 August 2013, the very next day I was sworn in as a Special Constable. ‘Why’ and ‘you must be mad’ were the reactions of many Being ex-Royal Navy and a keen sailor, I have of my colleagues to this, but when I explained always had a particular interest in marine my rationale most accepted that it wasn’t such related crime matters. Over the years I have a ridiculous proposition. built up working relationships with a number of maritime enforcement agencies and Retirement doesn’t actually remove the supported various Boat Watch initiatives. I motivation of wanting to be able to help others; gained numerous marine qualifications over many former officers go on to other public the years, and such was the trust I gained with service roles, both voluntary and paid. The other partner agencies, I was often engaged fact that I can be of some assistance to others as a skipper on their vessels, enabling me and not be paid for it, in some ways actually to undertake marine patrols utilising their increases the satisfaction that it can bring. expensive assets for police purposes. Of course everyone’s personal circumstances Such was my interest in this area of work I are different. I am fortunate and I have carefully even went to the extent of personally funding planned for this time for decades. As a result I an ex-MOD rigid inflatable boat (RIB), having am in a secure enough position to enable me to it suitably insured and coded to enable its use give some of my time without the requirement for commercial and police purposes. I have for financial reward. just replaced an RIB with an ex-Environmental Agency vessel. My service has included posts on response, CID and more recently as a member of the Boat Watch schemes, similar in all respects to targeted policing teams both as a detective and Neighbourhood Watch schemes, depend on uniformed constable. I therefore had a fairly committed volunteers from the community. It broad range of experience struck me as being a bit rich throughout my service, but for me to support them whilst the best of all these posts as I was being paid, but to then far as I am concerned was my just walk away as soon as I last, as the neighbourhood retired when they were never team sergeant in Looe, paid for their support they Cornwall. A neighbourhood gave to me. role allows regular personal contact with individuals and opportunities to do a little more As I neared retirement I broached the subject of over a longer period of time. whether the Force would like to me to continue supporting these initiatives and partnerships

16 SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 15 on a voluntary basis as a Special Constable. I I come with a fully equipped and approved expected some negativity and for the idea to police patrol boat, a bit like coming with your go into someone’s ‘too difficult’ tray, but how own police car really. I am though able to offset wrong was I? My supervisors thought it was an some of the costs by chartering it to other excellent idea. enforcement agencies on occasions. I provide I also thought that the a visible and practical transition from regular link with marine to Special would be partner agencies and problematic. It could organisations without not have been simpler impacting on other thanks to the excellent policing priorities. support of the Special Constabulary It is still early days, Co-ordinator, but as an example Vicky Hollinshead, in one month I gave at HQ; it was a 46.5 hours and simple and painless this included joint transition with the operations with the minimum of fuss and Environment Agency, administration. Marine Management Organisation, Inshore So what’s in it for me? Fisheries Conservation Well I get to choose Authority and MOD when it’s convenient Police Marine Unit, for me to come into both afloat and ‘work’. I get to stay ashore, targeting within the police individuals of family working with interest to police all those individuals and other agencies. that made my regular I also gave a marine service so enjoyable crime prevention and enriching, and presentation and I get to work in the update to Fowey Boat marine environment Watch. with like minded people from other My enjoyment only organisations and on increases as the boats - As that’s what I weather improves. like to do in my leisure This kind of work is time, to refer to it as cold, dark and wet in work is debatable. winter. Finally, I am able If something to put to good use similar would suit my years of policing your particular experience by circumstances or supporting coastal skills as you look to communities and retire, I’d recommend the organisation that exploring the supported me for possibilities. Try to over 30 years. I feel ignore some of the like I’m giving a little back, also the area retains negative perceptions of such a course. an experienced police officer with particular marine skills with zero training expense other For me it’s about giving a little back to the vast than the ongoing mandatory training, and zero majority of the public who have supported me equipment costs - or at least until I wear out my over 34 years of service both in the Royal Navy current uniform! and police. If it suits you and the organisation then go for it; it’s a win-win situation all round.

Issue 15 SPECIAL IMPACT 17 Met Specials Team Become Arrest Centurions

Specials from the Richmond Borough Metropolitan dedicated Task Force was created to assist the local Special Constabulary Task Force have notched up policing teams deal with issues on their wards. 100 arrests in the 10 months since its inception in The team also work alongside officers Borough- June 2013. The Team which is made up of more wide if needed such as in our three town centres than 20 Special Constables is fast getting the where on occasion we experience those involved in reputation of being a shining blue-light beacon in drink-related disorder which can lead to night time the Borough’s fight against crime. incidents of crime.”

The Task Force which is supported and directed The team undertake a range of tasks including by Acting Sergeant Andy Le Geyt has attended high visibility town centre patrols, plain-clothes in the region of 460 incidents, made more than operations including executing search warrants 100 arrests for a wide-range of offences including and helping with locating outstanding offenders, robbery, drug dealing, burglary and violent as well as policing events which include rugby assaults. The team has also conducted 170 Stop matches held at Twickenham stadium. and Searches and issued 62 Fixed Penalty Notice tickets for traffic offences. Chief Inspector Graham Simpson concluded by saying: “Recently the team were shortlisted for the The Team receive a huge amount of support from Commissioners Total Policing Excellence Awards the Richmond Borough Senior Leadership Team and, although they didn’t get top prize, to get that and Chief Inspector Graham Simpson, head of far is a worthy achievement. Richmond’s Neighbourhood Policing, said: “The results the team has produced are outstanding. They make a valuable contribution to help reduce They have made a significant impact on crime and anti-social behaviour across Richmond. They have disorder across the Borough - and all this from been a major success for the Borough and are an volunteers! Richmond has always had volunteers asset in our fight against crime.” who join the Special Constabulary giving up their free time to help police the Borough however, the MSC receives Points of Light award The Prime Minister has named Soho and the surrounding area. Special Inspector Matt Preece of the Metropolitan Police Service The Point of Light awards (MPS) as the latest winner recognise outstanding individual of his Point of Light awards volunteers, people who are which recognises the role of making a change in their ‘outstanding volunteers’. community and inspiring others. Each day someone is selected to Special Inspector Preece, from receive the award, to celebrate London, has dedicated more their remarkable achievements than 400 hours of his free time as shining examples of to volunteering with the MPS, to volunteering across the country. make the streets a safer place for www.gov.uk/government/ all those who live, work and visit collections/points-of-light-awards

18 SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 15

National Recruitment Standards for the Special Constabulary Since June 2013 over 3000 candidates have been assessed using the College’s national recruitment standards for the Special Constabulary, with over 70% of individuals having been successful College working in partnership in their assessment. to further develop the Special Code of Ethics Constabulary All special constables are members The College is working closely with of the College of Policing and the national policing lead for Citizens are covered within the recently in Policing, police forces and a published Code of Ethics. The number of other stakeholder groups code can be viewed on the College to facilitate the further development website www.college.police.uk of volunteering within the police service. Learning and Training This involves addressing key The College provides a range issues, formulating policy and of training programmes and commissioning research, offering opportunities for members of quality training products and the Special Constabulary, from providing forces with national new recruits to senior officers. recruitment standards for the For further details please see the Special Constabulary. This links College website into the College objectives in www.college.police.uk and also the setting standards and identifying information available on NCALT. an evidence-base to promote good practice. Transfers/Dual Service of special constables/fast-tracking retired Ferrers Awards officers

The College’s ACC Richard Bennett Forces are reminded that there are was the master of ceremonies at distinct national policies in these the annual Ferrers Awards in June, areas which are available for forces where once again the achievements to utilise. These can help facilitate of the winners serve as testimony the transfer of special constables to the excellent, ongoing support between Home Office police forces that members of the Special and also address the possibility Constabulary provide to policing. of special constables serving in more than one force at the same time (e.g. in instances where work, university or living patterns make this potentially viable).