SPRING 2016 | ISSUE 22

Special Constabulary National Conference Update See Pages 4-5 contribute to, the aims of policing nationally and indeed wider society. The policing landscape is undergoing very substantial change – including significant financial constraint, and the need to focus on major and emerging threats – cyber- crime, organised crime, Child Sexual Exploitation and terrorism, to name just a few. It is therefore a good time to invite Forces to challenge the way in which we have traditionally engaged with the Special Constabulary, and to look at new ways to encourage Specials to be involved in policing in its widest sense. I feel proud to lead on behalf of National Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) WELCOME for Citizens in Policing across . Spring is here and it is a good time to Special , as well as our other reflect on how we can make fresh starts, volunteers, offer huge value and bring move forward and consider changes for a wealth of skills and broad diversity the better. to Forces right the way across the UK. Thank you so much to those of you who There is much national focus on the contribute so much to your communities Special Constabulary at this time. We as volunteers within the policing family. have the Special Constabulary National Conference to look forward to in April, DOCTORS ORDERS which will enable both Special Constables It was a ‘special’ day for Doctor Zaheer weekends I used most of my annual and senior regular officers to develop Khonat recently when he joined GMP. leave entitlement to undertake training knowledge, expertise and share good ACC Richard Debicki as a student Special . My family practice. I look forward to seeing some The junior doctor who works at the have been particularly supportive in what of you there and think that this will be a Royal Bolton Hospital became a Special they initially thought was an eccentric hugely valuable event. NPCC Regional Citizens in Policing Lead for Constable for the Force at a ceremony Wales endeavor! I am looking forward to many with Chief Constable Ian Hopkins. He years of enjoyable service as a Special National ‘Give and Gain Day’ is upon was one of 51 people who joined GMP as th Constable.” us again (20 May), bringing a great special constables bringing the number to opportunity to involve local employers Follow us on Twitter more than 800. Zaheer, 25, from Bolton qualified from and businesses in policing and encourage @SCImpactMag the University of Liverpool in the summer them to support their staff who volunteer Zaheer said: “I thrive off new challenges of 2015 and applied to become a Special as Special Constables. and joining the Special Constabulary Constable as he was graduating. For the Subscription ENquIRIEs will undoubtedly be one of the most past six months he has been working in The Citizens in Policing Community of challenging but fulfilling roles I will Practice have been designing the new If you would like to join Special Impacts Bolton and is currently working in the Ear, e-subscription list please email the editor: undertake. national Citizens in Policing Strategy, and Nose and Throat department. [email protected] this will be circulated for consultation “I work full time in an already busy job; He wants to become a GP and hopes to very soon. The strategy focuses upon Front Page: Luke Teesdale, however I am a great believer in making be able to bring his policing and medical North Wales Police how volunteers can benefit from, and time for things that I enjoy. Alongside experience together in the future.

2 SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 22 ISSUE 22 SPECIAL IMPACT 3 A commemorative pin badge has been commissioned to celebrate the 185 years of the Special Constabulary (15th October 2016) Special Constabulary and proceeds from the sale of these will also be given to the Charity. National Conference ‘16 Delegates will also have the opportunity to visit the Marketplace where organisations include Recruitment & Retention; Training; such as Police Mutual, No 1 Copperpot, Specialist Roles, Cyber Crime, Employer PNLD, RPOA, Vodaphone, Niton, and Supported Policing, Specialist Teams and DutySheet will be present.

Lead organiser, Emily Godsell, says, “Everything is coming together now, it’s been a tough few months but the conference is really starting to take shape. We are keen to offer all delegates a taste of Wales, so there will be little snippets of this theme throughout the weekend. This is potentially the last Specials Conference so I really hope it lives up to expectations and is one people will Rest in Peace Peter Howells remember. It was a very sad time for recently as they The booking forms are still coming in and we lost one of their finest, Peter Howells OBE, after losing are very close to full capacity with nearly all his courageous battle with cancer. forces attending. Peter Howells, a technical trainer with SWALEC from St Please keep an eye on our twitter @ Woolos, served with Gwent Police Special Constabulary for more than four decades. He began his career in Conference organiser’s outside SCconf2016 and website for updates / Gwent Police in 1972 and became Chief Officer in 1996. SC2016 venue announcements. We are still on the lookout for Raffle prizes, so please give us a shout if Current Special Constabulary Chief Officer, Richard Gwent Police, on behalf of the Welsh region, you can help.” Jones said Peter’s OBE was a “testament to the high regard that Peter was held”. are pleased to be the host for the 2016 Specials Conference, which takes place You can find out more about the event at: Chief Constable Jeff Farrar said “It is extremely sad 22 – 24 April in Chepstow. It is hoped that http://sc2016.org.uk/ news that Peter has passed away, he will be greatly the conference will provide delegates with missed by everyone at Gwent Police. He gave over 40 years of his life serving the people of Gwent as a the opportunity Special Constable and with the mountain rescue team. to develop their SC2016 Supporters As the Chief Commandant for the Special Constabulary knowledge and delegates will have the opportunity to he was inspirational in reshaping the service both expertise, allow receive a Leadership training input. locally and nationally. opportunities There will be a charity Gala dinner “Peter was rightly recognised for his services to to meet new on the Saturday evening, with raffle mountain rescue and the Special Constabulary through colleagues and proceeds going the appointment of an OBE by the Queen in 2005. He exchange good provided me with a great deal of support when I joined to Central practice with other the Force in 2009, something I am extremely grateful Beacons forces. for. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult Mountain time.” Rescue Team, in Speakers across the weekend include Martyn To celebrate the 185th Anniversary of the formation Lewis, Chair for the National Council for memory of retired of the Special Constabulary, the SC2016 team will be Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), Dr Ross Wolf Special Constabulary selling pin badges at the conference. All proceeds will from the Florida Police Reserves and Leeisa Chief Commandant, be donated to Central Beacons Mountain Rescue team Harwood from the RNLI. Workshop topics Peter Howells OBE. in memory of Peter Howells OBE.

4 SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 22 ISSUE 22 SPECIAL IMPACT 5 This issue we are featuring three new Chinese New Year organisations that have registered to join in Merseyside the Employer Supported Policing Scheme Merseyside Specials says “It is a fantastic opportunity for Alcumus assisted at the Chinese Group to bolster their New Year event in current commitment to supporting the Alcumus Group has Liverpool City Centre. volunteering sector, there joined the ESP scheme are exciting times ahead and is supporting GMP as ESP gains momentum, The photo shows Special Inspector Donn this in turn benefiting Houldsworth with them in front of the both the communities two weeks additional and business of the local Business in the paid leave per year Community’s Give & entrance to China Town, constabularies.” to undertake Special Gain Day is the only the largest Chinese global day of employee Constable training. Donn volunteering. Now in Friendship Arch outside its ninth year, it will see police service, by being thousands of people from hundreds of mainland China. part of this scheme, which companies volunteering adds to our employee on 20 May 2016. received a very big thank you from the Cub benefits. It is great to see Give & Gain Day is Scout Leader. As an additional bonus, three staff volunteering to make of the officers pictured have now ticked a celebration of the their Community Engagement section for their community a safer incredible power of employee volunteering their portfolios! A big thank you to Special place and developing new and sees thousands of Constables’ Hannah Mitchell, Jonathan Cable, skills, which can also be people across the globe Hayley Winstanley and Scott Johnstone.” applied to their roles with spend a working day the Council” volunteering for good causes in their local Recruitment talks have community. Trafford Council recently been delivered at the registered on the ESP GMP & Lancashire Council offices recently, Specials already have scheme, allowing its staff and currently 5 council plans underway to who are Special Constables staff members are in the participate again this year. Merseyside Specials an additional 10 days per recruitment stages to engage with Scouts year leave to perform become special constables. More information can volunteer duties. Joanne be found at Special Sergeant Mike Fong together with Hyde, Corporate Director Trafford Council also offer www.bitc.org.uk/ some of his team attended the 7th Moreton programmes/give-gain- Scout Group and organised activities in the for Transformation and council tax reductions to day field. Resources says “We are special constables who live delighted to be able to and work in the Trafford Get social on #giveandgain Mike says “All in all it was a very enjoyable support our partners, the borough. night for everyone involved and I’ve since

6 SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 22 ISSUE 22 SPECIAL IMPACT 7 There were a lot of openings for accounting and plan to be involved in a major roads related jobs in the area so I figured, as I policing operation, both of which without enjoyed numbers and they’re a strong point of ESP, I would have had to use my annual leave mine, I’d go into that field while I waited for a allowance to be involved in it. job opening in the police. My career at Police Mutual since then has gone from strength to Though my roles are completely different, the strength so in May 2013 I decided to apply skills I have picked up benefit both. Through to join the Special Constabulary and work in my accounting role I have developed an eye accounting at the same time. for detail, prioritisation skills and the ability to analyse a problem and find a solution – It’s now been one year since I completed they are all needed in my role as a Special my police training and I still have the same Constable. The ability to remain calm and excitement booking on shift as I did the first assertive under pressure, make decisions “Police Mutual is delighted to have signed up time. When I walk into the station I never quickly then act, together with knowing how to Employer Supported Policing. Supporting have any idea what I’m going to be faced to ask the “right” questions to obtain the the Police is at the heart of what we do with over the next six hours or so, and the information I need, all of which benefit me in and this scheme helps us to support our adrenaline is kicking in. my accounting role too. I’ve also picked up colleagues to do something they love whilst first aid skills which are valuable in all aspects making a valuable contribution to their local I tend to do one shift a week, normally a of life. community. Having a deep understanding Friday night response shift, from 10pm to of those we serve is important to us, so around 4 or 5am, with the occasional extra I love my role as a Special Constable and opportunities for colleagues to use their shift on top covering a special operation would recommend anyone who is considering understanding of Policing and develop some or a community event. Whenever I go in to it just to give it a go. It sounds a cliché, but fantastic new skills is hugely beneficial to us help out at the station the Duty Sergeant is I have met so many new people and made and our members. We’re very proud to be normally glad of an extra pair of feet on the new friends through both my training and my involved.” Kenny Graves, Head of HR ground. duties. Police Mutual In my day job I work in Financial Accounting As with any job there is the occasional bad Support for Police Mutual, a far cry from day where you question why you bother and Police Mutual is a mutual society, dedicated my duties as a Special. I’m normally found swear you’ll never go back but you have a to helping serving and retired police officers, dealing with payments to and from our family in your colleagues (both Special and Police Mutual commits £100,000 police staff and their families, plus police members and making sure all of the areas I Regular officers), and they will always be there volunteers, with their financial wellbeing. have responsibility for are in order at the end to talk to and put you back on your feet when to community initiatives for 2016 of each day/month. It’s a bit different to racing you need it. I wouldn’t change it for anything.” The organisation recently joined the ESP Police Mutual has announced that Force through a town centre to a report of door staff scheme allowing their staff who are specials for Good, its first national community at the local nightclub being threatened with a 10 days leave each year, plus a potential sponsorship programme, will award Taser, and those I speak to often find it funny 5 days granted for training. They will also £100,000 to local projects in 2016 across two how different my normal job is to what I do as consider other reasonable requests. They tranches; the first ran throughout February, a Special Constable. the second will take place in September. have two members of staff who are Special This is further to having supported 152 Constables, one with , and Police Mutual recently signed up for Employer successful local projects with £50,000 the other, Sarah Wilkinson, who volunteers for Supported Policing. This has given me more throughout the country in autumn 2015. . We asked Sarah why she time and opportunity to get more involved in Successful Spring 2016 applicants are joined the Specials and how Police Mutual ESP different aspects of Policing. currently being notified. is a benefit. Recently I was part of a Local Policing Applications for Force for Good funding “Having completed a two year Uniformed Operation where I assisted with a drugs up to £1,000 per initiative can be made Services course at college, when I left full time warrant, and an Automatic Number Plate by anyone who is a member of the police education I had hoped to go straight into the Recognition (ANPR) operation where we family. Visit www.policemutual.co.uk/ Police Service. Unfortunately for me, this was tried to take individuals who drive illegally off forceforgood for further details including around the time that the recruitment freeze the road, during which I seized a vehicle for how to make a nomination for the began and any hopes of joining up were put having no insurance. I also have an Explosives September application window. on hold. Awareness course pencilled in for this year

8 SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 22 ISSUE 22 SPECIAL IMPACT 9 force and sharing experiences with other officers has helped greatly in coming to terms with these impacts.”

Asking Paul how his family feel about his voluntary role he says “My mother expressed a little concern and trepidation but after some good explanation and reassurance she came round and is now fully supportive of everything I do police related. Indeed all my family show a keen interest in my role and often ask where I have been and what experiences I have been involved in. One of the fabulous things about becoming a special is that you make lots of new friends who have a shared interest and understand why you do it!” “One of the big challenges of being a special is finding a good balance of performing regular duties and maintaining a happy and content home life. My wife is also a police volunteer within the force along with a full time job; she fully supports and understands what Jenni Shoreman, married to Paul, is currently a police Lancashire being a Special Inspector entails. Planning volunteer with and she tells ahead and keeping each other informed us why she volunteers as a Citizen in Policing. seems to produce the best results! My “When I was growing up my parents were heavily Family employer is also very supportive and involved with the local charity, Longridge Lions; they understanding of the role. There have were always involved with one kind of community been many occasions where my employer project or another and I think this is what inspired me Affair has allowed flexible working hours and to “do my bit”. I wanted to give something back, but as charities raise monies in different ways these days, even time off to attend police training and with expensive “treks and trips” I felt that “doing my able when speaking to the public, managers at work important events.” Special Constabulary and when delivering presentations to staff and public bit” would be more beneficial by getting involved with Paul Shoreman is a Special Constable with Lancashire groups. I have been given opportunities to become the local community, and once I saw the request for Constabulary, currently holding the rank of Special involved in many aspects of policing from foot police volunteers in my local area, I knew that it was Inspector, and is 53 years old. He works as a patrol to executing warrants and even planning and something that I wished to get involved with. I know countryside ranger for the local authority and is delivering operational events. At the current time I my husband has found being a Special very rewarding married to Jenni and has a 3 year old son called am beginning a training and development course to and inspiring; I think this also spurred me to get William. Paul joined Lancashire Constabulary in be part of a rural and wildlife crime unit within the involved in some way with the police family. 2008 at the age of 45. He says, “I have always had constabulary.” an interest in policing but never really thought I had I monitor the CCTV cameras at Longridge Police the attributes to take on the role. I meet many police Paul says during his time in the role he has been Station usually one evening over a weekend. Longridge officers through my day job and it was from talking involved with several challenging and emotive is only a small town and major incidents are few and with them that I was encouraged to explore the role of situations “In the summer of 2014 myself and three far between, however interesting things do happen a special. I also felt it was an opportunity to challenge other specials on a local safeguarding operation were and often the CCTV coverage means I can pick up myself .” nearby the location of a serious road traffic collision. potential incidents before they escalate. Only recently Unfortunately the crash resulted in the deaths of two I found myself helping to look for a wanted suspect Paul is based in the East division of Lancashire but people. We were at the scene quite early along with from outside the force area. I was asked to interrogate has been able to experience a range of policing in other officers and were informed by witnesses that a the camera system to see if the suspect had been at various communities including urban industrial areas, driver of one of the vehicles had run from the scene. a phone box in the town. Sure enough I found some semi-rural and now quite isolated communities in After a short search we located the driver and he was footage and eventually the suspect was tracked to a the Ribble Valley. When asked what benefits he has detained and the investigation continued. Dealing relative’s property and subsequently arrested. It was gained from being a Special Paul said, “The benefits with the suspect and undertaking the normal duties very satisfying to know my efforts had contributed to a from being a special have been immense. Almost involved with this type of incident was straightforward, positive result. all of the experiences and learning I have attained but the greater challenge was assisting witnesses, during my service have been transferrable both I have met new people and made new friends in my dealing with other family members and friends of the to general life and my full time employment. The role; I find it very interesting and have gained an victims. The emotional impact on everyone involved training supplied by the force has been top quality and insight into what happens in just a small community. including officers was substantial and is something expanded my knowledge and improved my confidence I would encourage anyone to give volunteering in the that will always stay with me. The support from the immeasurably. Indeed I am now very confident and police a go, its interesting, enjoyable and fun!”

10 SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 22 ISSUE 22 SPECIAL IMPACT 11 some of our 2nd year learners currently studying on the Policing course. They have all worked extremely Special Constables awarded hard completing assessments and course work over by High Sheriff of Gwynedd the last 18 months to learn the craft of being a Police Members of the North Wales Special Constabulary Officer, however we recognise that it is essential that were recognised during the annual High Sheriff of they now gain practical experience by working shifts Gwynedd awards evening held recently in Caernarfon. and developing the theory they have gained at college into practice. Specials Inspector Neale Lewis-Jones and Special Constables Dion Hughes and Lois Owen received the “North Wales Police have designed a full programme ‘Team Award’ on behalf of the Special Constabulary for the group which should give them the opportunity on Anglesey by the High Sheriff of Gwynedd, Dr to complete a variety of actions to enhance their Elizabeth Andrews MBE DL during a ceremony held at experience, and enable them to complete the FdSc Caernarfon Crown Court. Policing qualification. The partnership between Grŵp North Wales Special Llandrillo Menai Higher Education and North Wales The officers were nominated by the Local Policing Police will provide the learners with all the skills Team in recognition for their exceptional commitment students on the beat necessary to hopefully gain employment as police and dedication. officers in the future.” High Sheriff of Gwynedd, Dr Elizabeth Andrews MBE A group of students are enjoying spending more time DL said: “I have been truly privileged to meet some on the beat thanks to a unique partnership between of the people who are indeed making a positive North Wales Police and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai. difference to life in Gwynedd and Anglesey, and it is some of these people that I should like to celebrate Eleven students from the college Foundation in and thank at this year’s High Sheriff Awards.” Policing Course have joined North Wales Police for a 10-week placement which began recently. The students, which are all serving Special Constables with North Wales Police, will spend their time with North Wales on several departments including Custody, the , the Neighbourhood Policing Teams and the Great Orme Response Officers. During their placement they will also be refreshed with personal safety training and near Llandudno first aid and will also be given further inputs on law and procedure.

Special Constabulary Chief Officer Mark Owen said: “North Wales Police currently works in partnership Long-service medal for with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai who provide the Specials Chief Inspector Foundation Degree in Policing course as part of their Public Services Programme. Special Chief Inspector Andrew Moore was presented with the prestigious Special “We are pleased to be able to offer this unique Constabulary Long Service award by Chief opportunity for the students to join us on their ten- Constable Mark Polin at Kinmel Manor week placement. The course has been designed to Hotel last week in recognition of his equip the students with the necessary knowledge continued voluntary service for the Special and skills required for an operational police role. Constabulary. By spending ten weeks with the force it will mean that they will get a variety of experience and work in Andrew, a Key Account Manager for BMW, partnership with regular officers. All of the students started his service as a Special Constable are already serving Special Constables, and over in Colwyn Bay, and is now a Special Chief the coming weeks they will all be give specific Inspector for the Central Division and is a tasks which they will need to complete during their pivotal member of the Special Constabulary attachment to assist with their development. Those Senior Management Team. Dyfed Powys Police are proud to as a Special Constable; this is an Special Constables who have not yet reached their congratulate Special Inspector Giles exceptional feat. Throughout this ‘independent patrol status’ will use their time to gather He said: “I was very happy to receive the George on giving 30 years voluntary time Giles has volunteered thousands further evidence towards their personal development long-service medal…I feel a real sense of service to the Special Constabulary of hours to the community, which plans. achievement helping others and I thoroughly and local communities since 1st is in addition to his ‘day job’ as an enjoy working with my colleagues to help April 1986. Giles volunteers in NHS Wales Ambulance Technician “It is important that the students gain a valuable make North Wales a safer place.” Powys, an area covering 2,000 sq. working 24/7 shifts. insight into the role of being a full time police officer miles, the largest county in and it is equally as important that they gain valuable Special Constabulary Chief Officer Mark and Wales, with management and Powys Divisional Commander, Chief experience during their attachments. I hope they enjoy Owen has congratulated Andrew, saying the deployment responsibility for 20 Inspector Jon Cummins said, “Giles their placement and I look forward to seeing them award “…not only provides an opportunity Special Constables. continues to give and is an excellent during their time with us.” to show appreciation to the individuals, but role model and the epitome of the also to the families and friends who have Giles has served the communities ‘career special’ in that his sole desire Michelle McBreeze, Programme Leader FdSc Policing supported him.” of firstly West Mercia and (since is to serve the public.” at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai said: “The eleven Specials are 1996) Dyfed Powys for 30 years

12 SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 22 ISSUE 22 SPECIAL IMPACT 13 Scores of Special Constables from Kent South West Region Specials across five South West police forces teamed up to crackdown on rural Special Constabulary in Rural Crime Blitz crime. Over 150 special constables drawn from Dorset, Wiltshire, Devon and Cornwall, Avon and , and Hampshire patrolled over 1,800 square miles of rural areas during the high visibility weekend operation.

The operation was headed up by the region’s Association of Special Constabulary Chief Officers (ASCCO) representative and Devon and Cornwall Police’s Chief Officer, Marc Kastner-Walmsley. Preventing Road Crime in the County

Speaking after the operation, Chief Officer Kastner-Walmsley said: “It was ’s Chief Superintendent Andrea • Attended 370 incidents an excellent operation which was Bishop, working with Special Sergeant Ollie • Issued 59 traffic offence reports meticulously constructed by a Special Woodrow, developed a Special Constabulary team dedicated to intercepting vehicles which Superintendent integrating Specials • Issued 130 warnings for other traffic-related activate Automatic Number Plate Recognition and Regulars. The operation was offences highly effective with several arrests (ANPR) cameras. They started a pilot for the in Somerset and excellent interaction team in January 2015. • Seized 8 vehicles with the public providng reassurance After three months a number of vehicles had and tackling anti- social and criminal • Spent over 400 hours at Speed Watch sites, been stopped. The team was reviewed and activity through all force areas.” giving 534 drivers warnings speed enforcement/education was added Hundreds of motorists were spoken to their remit under Special Inspector Alan The team also deploys on monthly road checks to advising them of the operation and Watson’s leadership as the county lead for accompanying trainee Special Constables. reassuring them that crime in the supporting the Community Speed Watch Running these road checks provides the ideal Chief Officer Marc Kastner-Walmsley South West is among the lowest in schemes. The team was made permanent and platform for officers to learn and put into at work on the night operation the country. A number of arrests were the Special Constabulary ANPR Intercept & practice knowledge learnt in the classroom, (Photo Credit Mid Devon Gazette) made and fixed penalty tickets issued. Speed Watch Team was formed. assisting with their on-going development. The team are very proactive in denying criminals The team, based at Herne Bay, consists of the use of the road network. one Special Inspector, one Special Sergeant and eight Special Constables. The team has The team has worked alongside the Proactive a varied number of skills including standard/ Targeting Team (PTT) on forcewide operations, pursuit-trained officers and road worthiness which provided the opportunity for the team prohibition (PG9) capability. to learn from the PTT and for strong working relationships to be formed. They also work The team is tasked through intelligence from with their area Special Constable colleagues, various sources, including the ANPR Unit the Specials Roads Policing team and the Local at Kent Police Headquarters and Divisional District Policing Teams. Intelligence Units. They also support more than 1,200 Speed Watch sites around the county. Following another review of the diverse work the team is now undertaking the team name In the 2015/16 financial year the team: Pictured above is Special Inspector has been changed to the SC Road Crime Team. The pilot is now being rolled out countywide, Mohammed Hassan out on duty in Pictured above is GMP Special Constable • Performed 3,773 hours of duty Accrington. Mohammed is authorised Rafiq Morris visiting a Support Centre to with the development of a team for North to drive vans for prisoner transport for engage with its members during Hate • Made 97 ANPR Intel-related stops Division underway and West Division to follow. Lancashire Constabulary Awareness week • Was involved in the arrest of 49 people

14 SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 22 ISSUE 22 SPECIAL IMPACT 15 Hampshire’s Special Constabulary top job ‘goes Dutch’ North Wales Policing Family Tom Haye, an international business leader with the years to come.” 24 years of experience as a Special Constable has taken the lead of Hampshire’s Special Constables. Tom is heading a national pilot project to introduce Tom started his volunteering career in Hampshire Cyber specialists into policing as Special Constables Constabulary in 1991 at Alton Police Station joining a or Police Volunteers. Together with Gloucestershire team of 12 Special Constables after moving from his Constabulary he launched the supported native Holland to the UK in CSCV (Cyber Specials and 1986. In his regular day-job Cyber Volunteer) project to job as Managing Director of recruit ‘Cyber Specials’ and Broadcast Networks he leads volunteers into policing by a team of specialist engineers recruiting these officers from and technicians building local and national companies studios and mobile broadcast that specialise in cyber or IT. In vehicles for international January 2016 the project went broadcasters like Sky, News live when Theresa May visited International and Fox Sports. and since then 41 cyber specialists “I originally joined the have put their name forward Special Constabulary after to join the team. All officers complaining to the local are currently going through bobby that in my village vetting and are expected to there was never any visible be introduced to the various policing presence. Some rural cyber teams over the next two thefts had taken place and months. I made an appointment to see him to discuss the issues. Unlike with traditional roles Two generations of law and order are on patrol He suggested that if I really in the Police where Special wanted to help that I join the Constables and Police in Bangor as son joins his mother on the beat Special Constabulary. This was Volunteers may require too big a challenge to turn additional training to carry out PC Lisa Thomas, who is based at Bangor Police Station, volunteering prior to joining the Specials – having down so I filled the application their roles, it is the intention has now been joined by her son, Dylan Thomas, who volunteered with his local youth club in Llanrug. He form in there and then. A few for these ‘Cyber Specials and has recently joined as a Special Constable. 18-year-old has also assisted at a local residential care home, months later I was the proud Volunteers’ to bring their Dylan is North Wales Police’ youngest recruit and he is volunteered with school events and even assisted with owner of a used tunic and personal expertise to the force hoping to follow in his mother’s footsteps and join as a his local football team. truncheon.” and will act in ‘tactical advisor’ regular constable one day. roles as well as run workshops Special Constabulary Chief Officer, Mark Owen, said: Tom spent 14 years working his way up to Divisional throughout the year to bring the Cyber Response Dylan, who currently works part-time at a hotel in “I interviewed Dylan for the role and I was incredibly Officer in Hampshire and led a large team of Special teams up to date with current technology and trends. Llanberis, has been accepted into Chester University to impressed with his answers. He demonstrated Constables in central Hampshire. In 2005 Tom study Adult Nursing. experience, and knowledge that belied his age. In my transferred to the (BTP) Once the pilot has been successful it is the intention opinion he has a bright future ahead of him in the and took up the role of Specials Chief Inspector at for Tom’s CSCV team to work with all home office He said: “I joined the Specials to gain a proper insight Police Service.” BTP Force Headquarters in London. Tom has now forces and assist with the national roll out. Tom into the job for a possible future career with the transferred back to Hampshire as Special Constabulary also has a national role within the DII framework police. I’ve been based at Bangor since November and And Dylan isn’t the only other family member to join Chief Officer. (Digital Investigation and Intelligence Capability have volunteered approximately 90 hours so far. I the Police as PC Lisa Thomas’ other son, 16-year- Framework) under the people strand where he leads like the different variation in jobs and that you cannot old Gethin, has recently joined the Volunteer Tom said “It is a real privilege to have been given the workstream to integrate Special Constables and prepare yourself for the shift ahead, making every Police Cadets. The Cadet Programme launched last the opportunity to lead Hampshire’s team of Special Volunteers into the DII Framework. shift a challenge. Bangor is a very busy station with September where 60 young people from the Bangor, Constables. I am really looking forward to this new very friendly staff who have welcomed me to the team. Rhyl and Deeside areas were introduced at a special challenge and to use my experience supporting my Whilst at University I will be coming home in between ceremony. colleagues in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. In Tom will be a keynote speaker placements to continue with my Special Constable the current financial environment it is important to duties.” The 14 to 16-year-olds will follow a two-year balance the needs of the constabulary with the ability at SC2016 National conference, programme where they will gain a practical and willingness of volunteers to help. We have such PC Lisa Thomas, who has been in the Police Service for understanding of policing, encourage good citizenship, a diverse group of Special Constables with incredible and will also be running almost 15 years, is very proud of her eldest son. She support local policing priorities through volunteering capabilities and experience – in management, digital a workshop to encourage said: “Dylan has always shown an interest in my job and giving young people a chance to be heard and to forensics, and cyber to name but a few. I will make it so it was a proud moment when he said he had been help inspire young people to participate positively in a priority to work with my colleagues to see how they discussion and ‘out of the box’ accepted to join the Special Constabulary. I’m hoping their communities. can complement the regular force not just in visible he’ll gain as much experience as possible as a Special patrolling but also in bringing some of these specialist thinking on how to recruit and that it will give him an insight into joining as a PC Thomas said: “Gethin is really enjoying the Cadet skills into the policing environment. I am also totally regular constable one day.” Programme and has already been involved with many focused to delivering a service that is in line with the cyber specialists into police events – including being part of a recent royal visit to Chief Constable’s vision and look forward to deliver an forces. Dylan had already completed over 200 hours of Caernarfon.” even more professional service to our community in

16 SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 22 ISSUE 22 SPECIAL IMPACT 17 An award from the Office of the best practice in selection related assessment North Warwickshire Police and Crime and consideration of what other organisations Commissioner’s Rural, Cyber and have adopted within their recruitment models. Off-Road Bike Team To date forces have been engaged via a national Business Crime Fund has enabled event held at Ryton in December and through a Warwickshire Police to purchase national working group. two new motorcycles with off- road capability, together with The review is on schedule to produce a appropriate protective clothing recommendations paper by 31st March. This will help to shape the future recruitment landscape for ten officers. The motorcycles, UPDATE by outlining recommendations that can be which are liveried as police adopted either in the shorter term or medium/ vehicles, provide access to land Following the Winsor Review, the College was longer term. The review primarily aims to answer that is hard or impossible to get to commissioned to design, pilot and evaluate questions around process and procedure. with regular police vehicles. competence threshold assessments. The However, other College programmes (such as the assessments were designed to ensure that review of the Policing Professional Framework) The team also works in partnership officers, including members of the Special will help to outline what is needed to be effective Constabulary, were able to undertake the as a new police recruit. with Warwickshire County Council core role of police constable and through who’s ‘Dob em in’ campaign urges continuing professional development deliver a The College published its Leadership Review residents to report offenders who consistently high level of service to the public. The in June 2015, available for all to view on the are riding or driving vehicles off- programme (originally known as Defining and College website. The Review contains 10 recommendations which aim to make a step road. Assessing Competence) is known as Assessment and Recognition of Competence. change in police leadership in the coming years. It recognises the importance of developing Inspector Dean Reid, who leads Although the model will eventually apply to all the whole workforce, of which the Special the team, said: “The use of the ranks up to Chief Superintendent, the initial Constabulary is an integral component. Special Off-Road Bike Team is pivotal model was trialled within 8 pilot forces, by regular Constables bring valuable leadership skills plus in our fight to reduce and constables and their line managers. Competence wider knowledge and experience from beyond address antisocial behaviour, was assessed at specific threshold points, policing and the College is working closely with Nigel Green and Ian Miller from the Association enabling officers to respond to • Foundation (for progression to pay point 4) of Special Constabulary Chief Officer ( ASCCO) to locations that ordinarily would be consider how these can be drawn upon to add inaccessible. Special Inspector • Reconfirmation - officers who have 10 years benefit to the wider service. Pegg is a key part of the team or more service – he helps us to locate, detain In excess of 20 forces have volunteered to • Advanced (for progression to pay point 7). be ‘early adopters’ of different aspects of the and engage with offenders, and Leadership Review, working with the College provides advice and guidance Members of the Special Constabulary were to help shape the recommendations into to local residents. By working as canvassed as to how the assessments could tangible change that can be delivered across a team, and in partnership with be applied across the ranks of the Special the service. The Special Constabulary are a Constabulary and the implications of establishing other agencies, we can show key member of this group, represented by Ian a Professional Development Review (PDR) for the Miller, Commandant of City of London Special the local community that we are Special Constabulary, which would be the vehicle Constabulary. Ian ran a session with early serious about confronting the for conducting the assessments. adopter forces on 10th February, to consider and issues that affect them.” provide challenge on their thinking about the role The Foundation Assessment will be The North Warwickshire Police Off-Road of the Special Constabulary as they make force Special Inspector Vincent Pegg said: “I am the first introduced for constables in September 2016. specific plans for leadership development. It was Bike Team provides high-visibility policing, Implementation of the Foundation Assessment and only member of the Special Constabulary encouraging to note several were already well patrolling urban and rural hotspots which have and PDR for constables within the Special progressed in their thinking on this area. been identified as experiencing vehicle-based to be put through the Off-Road Motorbike Constabulary will, subject to national agreement, anti-social behaviour, such as illegal off-road Course and I am able to patrol on the bikes to follow in 2017. The assessment of competence The College plans to bring in a member of the for Special Constables is likely to be based on the motorcycle use. The officers use bikes at targeted assist regular officers in combating antisocial Special Constabulary over the coming months to ability of an officer to show they can still meet the locations at key days and times, especially at behaviour and rural crime through the use of work closely with the College, with a specific focus National Occupational Standard (NOS) units that on the Leadership Review. weekends, when residents experience the most motorcycles in north Warwickshire. I ride a trials allow for independent patrol. Only the headline distress. motorbike in my spare time and have done since of each unit need be met, not the sub units that Since July 2013 the Specials Recruit Assessment the age of five. make up the standard. Once agreement on the Process has assessed a total of 8049 candidates, Special Inspector Vincent Pegg volunteers model and a launch date has been reached full and 5842 candidates (72.6 per cent) have been alongside his regular police colleagues in the Being a Special Constable is about understanding details of the model and any training will be successful. published. North Warwickshire Police Off-Road Bike Team, the needs and concerns of our communities, and working to protect people from harm. The Off- Currently Skills for Justice are conducting a review and helps play an important role in combating The College is also currently conducting a review Road Bike Team gives me an ideal opportunity to of the Police Performance Framework ( PPF), illegal off-road motorcycles and rural antisocial of Police Initial Recruitment. This includes which will likely result in an updated competency behaviour, as well as providing useful advice on make a difference in North Warwickshire.” engagement with forces, Rapid Evidence framework being introduced for ranks within the security issues to local residents. Assessment of academic literature, review of police service.

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