Issue 11 Autumn 2013

Roads Policing Special See Centre Pages Welcome to the Autumn issue of The Federation of England and WELCOME Special Impact. Wales (PFEW) has launched a survey asking members of the Special Con- Volunteering can offer great stabulary whether they wish to join experience that can enhance the Federation. The survey can be found at your employability, benefit http://7125967.polldaddy.com/s/ police-federation-survey-of-special- your personal development constabulary and help you make informed The survey will close at 11.45pm on career choices, none more than 9 October becoming a Special Constable. The attracts STAFFORDSHIRE CHIEF more and more people who want OFFICER RETIRES Mike Lane has retired from Staffordshire to gain an insight into the police Special Constabulary having served for 24 service, and in many forces, being years, the last 9 years as Chief Officer Mike has said “ Starting at a time where internal staff is the only way into the Special Constabulary officers were the regulars at present. Being a Special gives both the used mostly for public reassurance it has been an varied and interesting journey officer and the force the opportunity to see if this is the watching the Special right career choice; and evidence of this is shown in the Constabulary role evolve and being in- volved in the many diverse specialist roles Cumbria Pre-join article on Page 17. However, I think it that our Specials have become involved in over the years. The role of Chief Officer is really important that forces also give some thought to was a most enjoyable time, working with attracting the “long term” or “career” special, not only Staffordshire Senior Officers both region- ally and nationally on various committees. to ensure the longevity and sustainability of the Special I will retire from the Specials with some Constabulary, but to remember the history of the Specials wonderful memories but am looking forward to assisting as which is to encourage and empower members of the a volunteer in their Police Support community to step forward to give something back to Volunteers programme”. their neighbourhood and just as importantly, it is a way for the police to further develop links with its communities. Special Impact would like to apologise The career special often brings a wealth of life skills and for the print error in Issue 10 within experience with them and these officers can be placed at the Lancashire’s Operation Aslan the heart of community engagement. article With this in mind Cumbria, GMP and the Welsh regions have devised an advertising concept to attract the long term Special Constable. One of the visuals is displayed Subscription Enquiries below, and it is hoped that other forces will adopt the If you would like to get on Special concept, which can be made bespoke with the relevant Impacts emailing list please email the force logo, and even have the photos replaced with their editor: own force officers. [email protected] If you are interested in seeing more of the campaign concept please Follow us on Are You Doing Something SPECIAL TODAY? SHE IS... contact me. Twitter @SCImpactMag I hope you enjoy Issue 11, and please keep the contributions Special Impact is produced by Tina Shelton with support from College Amanda Burrows : Mum Amanda Burrows : Special Constable coming. of Policing, Special Constabulary and If you are looking for a long term voluntary Tina Shelton practitioners. Design support from opportunity policing your community please contact [email protected] Editor SC Graham Holmes

2 Issue 11 SPECIAL IMPACT high volume crime that affects Neighbourhood Policing the day to day quality of life of To Be Met Specials Primary local people on their ward. In addition to the changing Focus In Future operational focus, Specials will also be managed in a different way in particular with the redeployment of the dedicated regular Police Sergeants (MSC Managers) currently assigned to oversee Specials at Borough level. Metropolitan Special Constabulary Chief Officer, John Conway explained the differences: “The main benefit of the planned changes under LPM is a closer integration of the MSC to Neighbourhood teams to deliver neighbourhood policing. Until recently, each Borough had MSC Managers; however, these roles will cease to exist as individual Boroughs go live with the new LPM from the end of June 2013 and a handover plan is currently in Changes to the policing approach in the Metropolitan progress to facilitate this. Police Service will see Specials primarily assigned to “The MSC is incredibly grateful for the excellent work new Neighbourhood Policing Teams with local policing done by these managers to support us and they can be priorities. truly proud of all their achievements to date”, said Chief In line with the Commissioner’s vision for Total Policing Officer Conway. the MPS has established a new approach to local policing Special Constables will continue to be line managed by called the Local Policing Model (LPM). The LPM forms MSC Sergeants and Inspectors who will work closely part of the Neighbourhood Policing segement of the with the Neighbourhood Inspector and Sergeants One Met Model which was implemented in two tranches to ensure effective alignment of the MSC to the at the end of June 2013. The One Met Model is the MPS Neighbourhood Teams. Tasking and deployment of vision for the future - to be the best police service in the Specials will be the responsibility of the Neighbourhood world. Police Inspector and Sergeants. LPM will involve a big change in the way boroughs MSC Inspectors will report directly to the borough operate and will ensure that the MPS delivers a high SLT lead for the MSC and will be line managed by an quality and consistent service to Londoners. LPM is MSC Assistant Chief Officer. The change will see an designed to move resources to the front line, increase increased importance to the work that MSC Inspectors visibility and flexibility and improve quality of service to and Sergeants undertake and this will help to raise their increase public confidence. Neighbourhood policing will profile. Promotion processes for MSC supervisors are be the foundation of LPM. now scheduled on a regular basis: “This is to ensure we 5,000 MSC officers and 2,000 regular officers across the achieve our new supervision ratio of a minimum of one MPS will be re-aligned to local Neighbourhood Teams Special Sergeant for every ten Special Constables, and a which will reinforce existing ward-based policing. The minimum of one Special Inspector for every 10 Sergeants. Neighbourhood Teams will be led by an Inspector and “We also plan to introduce a Special Chief Inspector dedicated to working in communities. rank to work closely with the Borough Senior Leadership They will continue to respond to local priorities, provide Team to deliver continued performance improvement reassurance and continue to engage with local people. and aid growth plans” explained Chief Officer Conway. They will enhance coordinated activity across ward To support these changes to supervision, the MSC Senior boundaries for more effective community problem Leadership Team has recently been strengthened with the solving. appointment of five Assistant Chief Officers, with both As part of the commitment to Total Victim Care, all area and portfolio responsibilities, who will work closely victims of crime are offered a visit from a police officer with Area and B/OCU Commanders to ensure effective or, under LPM; appointments will be made to meet the alignment of the MSC to Neighbourhood teams and to victim. Neighbourhood teams will investigate all low-risk, continue the professionalisation of the MSC.

SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 11 3 Merseyside attracts ex-regulars into the Special Constabulary

Last year the NPIA (some of whose functions have to 24. Though that brings vibrancy to the organisation been transferred into the College of Policing) developed we do tend to progress many of them to the regular guidance to fast-track ex-regular officers into the Special force whenever we recruit. I have wanted to broaden Constabulary. Pictured with the Chief Constable Jon the appeal of the Special Constabulary to include more Murphy and Special Constabulary Chief Officer David 30-somethings, so the return of retired regular officers Burgess-Joyce, is the first of those officers, Stephen Kelly. as specials (especially as they can retain their rank) Stephen retired as a regular officer at Sefton last year brings both the maturity I’m seeking and enormous and having had a year off felt he had skills from 31 years skills we as a Force can ill-afford to lose. I feel the as a police officer to give back to the Force. Special Constabulary has grown in stature over the last few years and is now an attractive second chapter in a David Burgess-Joyce commented “When I joined 30 regular officer’s career”. years ago my Chief Inspector had been a paratrooper at Arnhem, my Inspector a Hurricane pilot. This was There are a number of other serving regular officers who indicative of the breadth of ages at that time. Over the have shown interest in joining the Special Constabulary years the average age of a special constable has reduced when they retire later this year.

Operation Exodus The 32 Special Constabulary officers took the lead in A Forcewide joint operation the operation by conducting briefings in all the LPU’s. involving the Gwent Special They briefed not only their own staff but also briefed and Constabulary and the tasked a large number of Welsh Government Community Gwent Welsh Government Support Officers. The aim of the operation was to put Community Support officers and CSO’s in known ASB hot spot areas to ensure Officers took place back in that the ASB was reduced or stopped at a very early the summer. The date had stage. been identified as the last day of school prior to the The Community Support Officers liaised with the local summer holidays a date that had traditionally seen an schools, asking them to send out text messages to parents increase in anti-social behaviour across the whole force and pupils to make them aware of the operation, reducing area. Operation Exodus provided a highly visible presence the potential for ASB through early intervention. On to deter anti-social behaviour and to act as reassurance the night there were 46 ASB calls received in the Force for residents in areas that had been troubled in previous Control Room, showing an approximate 30% reduction in years. ASB across the Force against the same period last year.

4 Issue 11 SPECIAL IMPACT EMERGENCY SERVICES DAY Specials from Wigan recently attended Wigan Emergency Services Day at Wigan Fire Station. The event was attended by all Emergency Services including Mountain Rescue, and was well attended by the public throughout the day. Specials involved gave out Crime Prevention Advice, did Property marking and also hosted a mini recruitment event for the Special Constabulary. Life saving Special Constables rescue a Sussex pensioner constables’ vehicle and remains in a seriously a woman ran to them ill condition at for help. Worthing Hospital. The officers parked SC Brown, 21, from their vehicle and Sompting, who works Two Sussex Special rushed to help the full time for an online Constables saved the woman’s 84-year-old retail company, said: life of a pensioner father whose heart “He was unconscious who collapsed in the had stopped. They got and wasn’t breathing back of a car. the man out of the car so I began doing CPR. Special Constables and began performing “By the time the Alex Brown and CPR on him on the paramedics arrived Robert Teear came side of the road while he was starting to to the aid of an his family called for an breathe on his own.” unnamed 84-year- ambulance. SC Teear, 20, from old whose heart had The two Specials Worthing, whose day stopped in the back accompanied the job is at a tree nursery, of his daughter’s car. family to the hospital said: “We had been The officers were on to support them while saying that morning patrol in Richmond the man was being how rarely it was that Road, Worthing, as treated. The pensioner we got to use our first part of the town’s had a history of aid training and then carnival procession heart problems that happened. on Monday when and is waiting for “We just helped in any at about 3pm a car an operation to fit way we could.” stopped in front of the a pacemaker. He

SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 11 5 SPEEDING AND THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE SCHOOL ROOM

Children from Springvale Primary School in Penistone, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, joined Police Community Support Officers from the Penistone Safer Neighbourhood Team and the Deputy District Officer, Adam Faunt, from the Barnsley Special Constabulary, to conduct speed checks outside the school on Sheffield Road, which has been identified as a Partners and Community Together (PACT) priority The children wanted to get involved as part of a project they were running on the environment and the dangers of speeding. On the day, none of the vehicles passing were found to be speeding, however the children were still able to record the speeds of the vehicles and collate the results for their project.

Special Constable Adam Faunt said: “Part of my work as a Special Officer is to work with the local communities and local police teams to look at issues that matter to people in the area. Sheffield Road was set as a PACT priority after people complained about speeding on the road.

“Although on the day there was nobody found to be speeding, it was still really nice for the local school to be involved in the operation. It gave the children an insight into the work the police do and also enabled them to understand the dangers of speeding, while helping them with their school project.” It became quickly apparent GMP SPECIALS ARREST that these two males were in fact the intruders from the INTRUDERS AT ANIMAL SANCTUARY site and detained them and a search in the immediate vicinity resulted in finding stolen property from the Sanctuary and thus arresting the two males for burglary. They escorted the males back to the main road where they were met by van patrols.

PS Dave Birchall said “These officers should be formally recognised for their initiative GMP were called to intruders on site Special Constable Craig McCabe in relation to this incident. at the Animal Sanctuary at Barfoot and Special Constable Carla Pasiero Considering these are not regular Bridge. This is an isolated property also responded to the incident. Both officers I was impressed with to which the only vehicle access these officers took the initiative to their professionalism, initiative and is down a canal tow path. Regular walk in to the incident from the enthusiasm. They both completed officers, including response and A56 along the side of the Mersey their own file work with very little Vortex teams, made for the road and River and aiming to cut across fields help from regular officers and are a one vehicle covered the motorway towards the Sanctuary. As they did credit to the force and the Special bridge above the property. this they came across two males. Constabulary.”

Largest Attestation of The newly attested MSC officers will now Special Constables since undertake duties across London’s 32 Boroughs, WWII working alongside their full-time colleagues providing a visible presence to the local 137 MSC Special Constables sworn in at world community and tackling crime and anti-social famous police college in London. behaviour, as well as policing many of the city’s Family, friends and new colleagues converged major events such as The Notting Hill Carnival. on The Peel Centre, Hendon for what is Speaking after the ceremony, Chief Officer believed to be one of the largest attestation Conway said: “This is a historic event for ceremonies of Special Constables since the the Metropolitan Special Constabulary as it end of the Second World War. is believed to be the largest attestations of Chief Officer John Conway addressed his new Special Constables in peacetime in the UK colleagues and paid tribute to their families. with 137 officers being sworn in today. “We rely on the support of family and friends “It also marks a significant point as more during the recruits’ training as part of their officers are joining the front-line of the well-being which will continue during their to join the fight against service and it was gratifying to see so many crime and add to Mayor Boris Johnson’s pledge attend the ceremony as testimony of that to put more police officers on the streets of support.” London.”

SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 11 7 Football matches in Nottinghamshire getting ‘Special’ treatment.

Special Constables in Nottinghamshire are providing support at football matches enabling regulars to be deployed to other demanding areas of policing.

The scheme, supervised by senior officers, uses a neighbourhood approach to policing games and works hand in hand with fan liaison to promote Nottinghamshire as a safe place for football fans and others to

visit. It also sees Specials increasing their interaction with regular officers and developing their skills. Nottinghamshire Police plan to train between 15 and 20 Specials a year to help reduce the cancellation of regular officers’ rest days for football duties and maintain a visible presence in Nottingham’s communities.

8 Issue 11 SPECIAL IMPACT also worked with local authority Super Cars Seized partners to execute bailiff warrants In London-Wide Operations and recover unpaid fines: including Wandsworth, where there were six bailiff seizures and £1,600 fines recovered; Islington where there were 50 bailiff warrants, and £13,000 unpaid fines recovered; Greenwich where there were £10,000 fines recovered; and Sutton where a large amount of unpaid fines were recovered, including £1,400 from one individual. Operation Cubo runs on a regular basis and was originally set up to tackle uninsured drivers, many of whom have a criminal record and actively use their vehicles to facilitate their offending. Uninsured drivers are also five times more likely to be involved in collisions and less likely to have vehicles in a roadworthy condition. Chief Officer Conway said: “Special Met Specials haul in two prestige “Metropolitan Special Constables Constables regularly take part in cars during a series of operations achieved some fantastic results Operation Cubo, alongside their tackling uninsured drivers, street during Operation Nimbus including regular colleagues and other partner robberies and drug dealing. seizing a large amount of vehicles agencies. It was particularly gratifying Recent operations involving officers which in turn denies criminals the to hear of the seizure of two super from the Metropolitan Special use of the roads and therefore cars by MSC officers which goes to Constabulary proved successful as contributing to making our capital show that uninsured drivers come two high value vehicles were taken even safer.” in all shapes and sizes and cannot off the road in ANPR deployments Elsewhere, special constables took escape the grip of our operations. across a number of the London part in the nineteenth Operation Well done to all concerned.” Boroughs. Cubo across London In Newham, East London, a Porsche and played their part in worth more than £90,000 was seized netting a total of 105 by Metropolitan Special Constables arrests and 663 seized in the operation, a day of action to vehicles. This operation identify and confiscate uninsured saw hundreds of officers vehicles and to deny criminals access from Boroughs, Traffic, to their vehicles thus disrupting their and Safer Transport activity. Command take part in Operation Nimbus was organised a co-ordinated series of and executed by MSC Assistant operations in early May Chief Officer Fred Ahmed MBE with 2013. These included support from officers from the Safer ANPR operations at Transport Command and the ANPR roadside checkpoints, and Bureau. officers offering tips on The operation, with an MSC how to avoid becoming a operated ANPR site in North, South, victim of vehicle crime. East and West London, resulted in One of the most notable a total of 14 vehicles seized and successes of Operation resulted in two arrests. These results Cubo took place in add to the success of Operation Lambeth where Special Cubo, the MPS’s corporate operation Constable Christian to seize uninsured vehicles. Passaglia (pictured) seized Commenting on the success of an uninsured Lamborghini. Operation Nimbus, Assistant In addition to road-based Chief Officer Fred Ahmed said: elements some boroughs

SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 11 9 Bedfordshire Specials Join together the successful recruitment and training package. He said: “It’s been a great project to develop. Having Roads Policing previously been a Special myself, I was aware what a great opportunity this would be for my Special colleagues’ A team of Specials has joined the Roads development. Policing Unit in Halsey Road as part of a wider integration of the Special Constabulary into “It also gives them the opportunity to help their regular units across the Force. colleagues support Force priorities in a pro-active manner. It’s also been valuable for myself and PC Andy Scales who The team comprising a Special Sergeant, Mick Cronin, has been responsible for training the officers, all of whom and four Special Constables, Andrea Armstrong, Natalie have been fantastic and have committed many hours to Chimes, Craig Thompson and Ryan Ulmer, became the unit.” operational earlier this year in the collaborated unit and has been a great success. Special Chief Inspector Derek Grey said: “The support given by officers of the Roads Policing Unit has been The benefit of having Specials attached to the unit is invaluable. Our team are fully engaged and motivated, the enhanced resilience and capability of delivering an and the experience they gain now will support their improved service to the public. Additional vehicles can be development into the future within Bedfordshire Police.” deployed by the Specials, which can reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on the roads. Special Sgt Mick Cronin added: “The variety of work we undertake is limitless, we can be dealing with collisions on The Roads Policing Specials have all been skills matched the M1 or speed detection and casualty reduction, whilst and completed enhanced training including: working at also responding to incidents as they happen throughout scenes of serious and fatal collisions, intoxyliser and LiBiS the county. I can only describe the experience as amazing. training, fast roads training, Taser awareness, training in awareness of pursuit management techniques, enhanced “I have been in the Specials for nearly 20 years and it had law input on traffic law, as well as Stinger deployment. always been my ambition to join the Roads Policing Unit. I can honestly say that it exceeds my expectations and Sgt Craig Baker, of the Roads Policing Unit, was asked I love every second of being part of the Roads Policing to lead the project and was responsible for putting family.”

hours now recorded. Kent Specials Response vehicle of interest The special officers using the ANPR Command pilot are being trained to a standard expected cameras and finished of a response officer the night by helping in order to assist to handle a domestic with the day-to-day response work and disturbance and a emergency calls as fight between two required. men.”

Special Sergeant Jay Gray, who is part of “Working with the pilot, said: this team has been intense but also “During a rewarding and a recent shift fantastic opportunity I assisted to expand my skills.” with the Once the pilot has concluded The Specials Response Command management after the initial six months, the pilot is continuing to make a of a vehicle collision, aim is for dedicated Response strong impact in Medway and searched for a Command officers to be available Canterbury, with over 300 duty countywide.

10 Issue 11 SPECIAL IMPACT tolerated and our Specials will Special Constabulary continue to provide support in making KENTS roads safer policing this area of Medway.” In West Kent Special Constables Members of Kent Special to some of these motorists about were on patrol across Maidstone, Constabulary continue to play a vital their actions, they realise we are not Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells during role in helping disrupt here to spoil their fun but to prevent the evening. anti-social behaviour as Special serious collisions and ensuring road Constables joined neighbourhood users, residents and businesses are Targeting areas where anti-social officers in a targeted road check kept safe.” behaviour had been reported, operation in Medway. the Special Constables made four PC Wendy Knight, North Division arrests and conducted nine licensed The operation was held to combat Specials Co-ordinator at Kent Police, premises checks. reports of anti-social behaviour on said: “It was a successful operation the Medway City In Maidstone a 17-year- Estate. Scores old man was arrested of vehicles were on suspicion of pulled over by possession with intent officers who to supply ecstasy, three carried out checks, men were arrested on provided education suspicion of assault on road safety and officers seized and ensured cars alcohol from underage were roadworthy drinkers. and had no illegal or unauthorised In Tonbridge and modifications. Malling officers targeted anti-social On the night, as a behaviour, speeding result of the police drivers and areas presence, there that had experienced were no reports burglaries in recent of anti-social weeks. One man was behaviour but a issued with an order number of tickets and warnings were in which Specials from Medway to leave the town following drunken issued to drivers. supported neighbourhood and traffic behaviour. officers. Many of the Special Constables In Tunbridge Wells a driver was involved in the operation were from We weren’t interested in those reported for driving with no the Special Constable Road Policing motorists there to appreciate their insurance and no licence. Unit. cars and who are generally law- abiding citizens; instead it was those PC Sharon Turner, West Division Special Constable Joe Cockell said: racing their vehicles around the Specials Co-ordinator at Kent Police, “We have had a number of anti-social estate and nearby roads that were of said: “The Special Constabulary behaviour calls and issues reported most concern. allows us to put in place additional of vehicles racing along the roads on patrols to supplement day-to-day the Medway City Estate. We’ve had reports of oil being policing and to proactively target poured on the roads in an attempt local policing issues, whether that “Some of them don’t understand to make it easier for drivers to be excess speed or offences such as the implications of what they are perform skids and turns. This is burglary. doing and the operation was about clearly dangerous - only a couple of engaging with drivers to provide weeks ago a female passenger had “Once again, this operation was education regarding their behaviour to be cut out of a car following a scheduled for the pay day weekend, and enforcing road traffic legislation collision on the estate - and could which is traditionally a busy weekend. where necessary.” lead to a serious collision in the The 15 additional officers on patrol future. all made a valuable contribution to He added: “I became a Special keeping Kent a safe place to live and because I wanted to help people The message during our night of socialise.” she added. and I think that being able to speak activity was that this will not be

SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 11 11 Gary Foster nominated for UK Bus Award

Brighton & Hove Travel have Gary has built a great reputation trouble elsewhere in the community nominated their employee, Gary within , assisting with and they now have the benefit of Foster, for the Bus & Community patrol and operations to working being able to link this up. Since 2012, Award. The Award is designed to with specialist areas such as Road a large group of youths have been recognise and reward a scheme or Traffic Collisions, the City Council’s involved in anti-social behaviour on a project which provides benefits to Anti-Social Behaviour Team and the buses and in the community the local community. carrying out reassurance patrols and too. Incidents escalated into crime engaging with the local community. such as assaults on passengers and Gary has consistently worked with He is a member of the Brighton damage to the interior of the buses. Sussex Police for over 6 years. He is Crime Reduction Partnership, which It was becoming increasingly difficult utilised as part of a team of officers is an organisation for shop owners for bus drivers challenging these who tackle anti-social behaviour in the city centre to work together youths including the intimidation as a result of Brighton & Hove to reduce crime. He has joined that ensued. identifying that there was a lack of the Disability Awareness Group information sharing between them in the city and has even been in a Sussex Police decided the best and Sussex Police. Gary is deployed Police football team playing against way to tackle these problems was as a first response for any disorder the local youth team in order to to create “Operation Blower” on the buses. promote better understanding. and Gary has been central to that operation. Since “Operation The company firmly believe they are Passengers on the buses now have Blower” began in December 2012, responsible for passenger safety and the benefit of much closer police 52 arrests have been made in an satisfaction levels. They have been support should an incident arise, effort to stop offenders continuing working hard to provide excellent but Gary’s work involves the wider to cause criminal damage to buses customer care and safety. community too as very often people and engaging in anti-social behaviour who cause trouble on buses cause generally across the city, thus

12 Issue 11 SPECIAL IMPACT normally involved in – however, Gary is one of the selected few to take part in this training to handle situations of disruptive behaviour and public order offences.

Through continued relationship Brighton & Hove and Sussex Police work together to protect passengers and improve customer satisfaction levels. They continue to monitor crime statistics on the buses and reduce these levels. Gary has passion for the role he does; it’s his way of giving something back to the community and continuing to make the City a safer place for making the city a safer place for him to respond to “999” incidents colleagues, friends and family. everyone. in a police Gary is also involved in a plain vehicle. He Gary is always clothes officer deployment on is one of only flexible in his Brighton & Hove’s buses in order to two special role, there’s keep an eye on anti-social behaviour constables in no guessing and deal with this where necessary. Sussex who what may be have been around the Here are some statistics of crime awarded this corner and it’s permit. reduction on the buses… always important for him to focus on the task at hand and continue to deal Since 2008 there has been a Gary is also about to embark on his with it appropriately and efficiently. reduction in theft from buses of 4% “Level 2 – Public Order Offence” Since 2009 there has been a training – something We wish Gary the best of luck with Special Constables are never reduction in criminal damage the award nomination. of 38% Since 2008 there has been a reduction in assault without injury on buses of 42%, assault with injury has seen a reduction of 41%

Gary himself has been able to progress within the Police too. He started by volunteering for the Police two days a week, but now wears his Police uniform full time supported by his employer. Gary is continuing to learn new skills: a year ago he was allocated the “Red” permit card to allow him to drive a or van, and more recently he trained for his “Amber” permit which now allows

SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 11 13 Emergency Services Day

Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service and other emergency organisations joined together to host an Emergency services open Day at The Trafford Centre recently.

Specialist vehicles from GMP were on display all day, alongside vehicles from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue, North West Ambulance Service and the Army and Mountain Rescue Teams.

14 Issue 11 SPECIAL IMPACT The event was a perfect showcase for the services to demonstrate the wide variety of work they do with activities to engage members of the public, such as an accident reconstructed by GMP officers from the Collision Reconstruction unit.

Members from the Special Constabulary and Cadets supported the event and Specials also ran two recruitment stands where over 80 expressions of interest to join were recorded.

SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 11 15 Salford University Students produce Specials DVD

Brittany MacRae and Michaela Roy who we will miss filming with the Greater team have been out on daytime and are in their second year studying BA Manchester Police once the DVD is evening patrol throughout Manchester Television and Radio, and Dahlia Aljanabi completed.” for the last four months. who recently graduated with BSC in Professional Broadcast Techniques, have Sean, who serves at Hyde police The DVD is in editing stage now, and volunteered their time over the summer, station in Tameside, and works in TV Gordon Burns, retired newsreader and along with Special production, had TV Presenter has kindly volunteered to Constable Sean Bowler, previously supported participate with the voice-over for the filming the GMP the production of DVD. Special Constabulary the Specials Olympic for a DVD which DVD, and was keen to It is hoped that the DVD will be will be used for produce a more local launched to coincide with the force Gala recruitment, as well as DVD that featured Awards event in December. for short clips on the specials from his force. force website. Sean said, “When You can follow Brittany and Michaela on people find out that Twitter Brittany said “Working I’m a Special Constable, with the GMP has they ask me what the @brittanym21 widened my skills role involves. I thought @michaelamakestv massively; not only that making a video have I learnt extra about it would techniques to help be a good pursue my film making opportunity career but also it’s to helped me grow as a demonstrate person. I’ve worked with some amazing what Specials do and hopefully people and experienced more than I encourage anyone interested in thought I would. I would be more than joining to do so.” happy to do it all again.” Tina Shelton, Regional Dahlia added, “I’ve never worked on a Coordinator and Sean put project like this one before so it’s been together a DVD Brief which interesting taking part. It’s amazing the targets the career special to amount we’ve learnt whilst going out on compliment the new specials patrol with the special constables and advertising campaign that has it’s an experience we’ve all enjoyed. I been created. As well as filming think I can speak for all of us when I say training and an ESP angle, the

16 Issue 11 SPECIAL IMPACT of promotion which allowed me to Cumbria Police develop my management skills. I am now a regular constable and believe I Pre-Join Update wouldn’t be in that job today if I hadn’t had the help and support of other officers and colleagues.” Nick used to blog on the Cumbria Specials Twitter account and now “tweets” his student officer experiences on the @Copeland Police Twitter account. Mike Kirkham was a Special Inspector for South Cumbria who is now a regular constable based in South Cumbria. Mike says that “I had always wanted to work with the police, I don’t know what sparked the interest in the first place it was just one of the interests that never went away. Leaving school everyone in my family said for me to get a trade so I followed in the footsteps of both my father and grandfather and became a plumber. I Cumbria Police’s pre-join program Specials is a fantastic opportunity to am glad that I did the trade offered me was reported on in Special Impact last develop policing and people skills, and a lot of opportunities and year when the first batch of successful for any future employment perhaps the secured me continuous work from candidates was recruited. This report people skills is the most relevant. It’s leaving school. However, I always found highlights some of the key benefits not just the fact that you’re trusted to of being a Special Constable as well handle sensitive information and deal The latest pre-join intake as the recognition Cumbria give to with dynamic challenging situations, it’s their Special Constables who want to the fact that you do it all for free which took place on 23rd become paid police officers. is another personal credit to each September when 19 Special Cumbria’s recognised route into individual. policing recruits directly from the The Specials is also the best route into Constables became Police Special Constabulary and in the last gaining experience of the life and duties Constables. This intake was year 23 Special Constables have gained of a Police Officer, providing duty a combination of those employment as a police officer, showing hours are maintained, and the officer that volunteering can be a way into is open-minded. My skills in restorative who have completed the employment. justice, Police cycle training and Foundation Degree in The first group joined as regular police negotiating Police systems has helped Policing with the University officer’s in November last year and me greatly in my role as a regular. amongst this group was Callum Young. Not only understanding the pre-join of Cumbria and those who Callum joined the Specials in January course itself but also having the ability have completed the full 2011 and was based in Carlisle. He is to use other disposal methods which IL4SC now a full time officer in Workington. are not normally available to Student Callum said “I thoroughly enjoyed Officers due to training constraints. being a special constable and would The advantage of pre-join is definitely that there was that one regret and an recommend it to anyone who wants a reduced training meaning you can interest that had remained.” challenging and exciting volunteer job. refresh the knowledge you need, gain Mike’s journey to being a paid police Being a special constable has allowed some more knowledge and quickly put officer took 4 years and offered him me to work with some fantastic people that into practice. Pre-join is extremely varied opportunities along the way. and experience things no other job demanding and should be approached would allow me to. Being a special wholeheartedly as there are lots to Volunteering can be a route into constable gave me a fantastic insight recap and learn in a short space of employment; in Cumbria this is into what I was letting myself in for time. However, as a former Special increasingly the case as being a Special as a regular, and a good grounding to Constable I found that I was able to Constable is recognised as a route into the way Cumbria Constabulary works negotiate pre-join and get through my policing. as an organisation. It allowed me to in company period on the knowledge I You can read more about Cumbria “try before I buy” and make sure this had and the knowledge I gained.” Polices pre-join options by visiting: was the career that I wanted, even Another successful candidate was IT http://www.cumbria.police.uk/join-us/ though from day one of being a special trainer Nick Oliver “My groundings in police-officers constable I knew I wanted to progress the Police came from being a Special, I to becoming a PC. I am grateful my wouldn’t be where I am today without experiences as a special have enabled it. The Special Constabulary allowed To find out what Cumbria Specials get me to get the career that I always me to develop many skills such as up to you can view their “tweets from wanted”. team working and inter-personal skills. the beat” by following them on Twitter Rob Ewin said “Overall I’d say that the I was also offerend the opportunity @CumbriaSpecials. SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 11 17 Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner launches new Special Constable recruitment drive

On Tuesday 27 August volunteering in Sussex and Policing initiative and told me Sussex PCC Katy Bourne increasing the number of special the following about his unique was joined by ACC Robin constables is a significant part role: “I joined Sussex Police as a Merrett, Special Constable of this. Greater police visibility special constable five years ago Colin Tribe and local is one of the things the public because I wanted to contribute media at Brighton Police speak to me about the most. to making Sussex a safer place Station to launch the These officers will help to and have always wanted to see recruitment of 120 new achieve the objectives within the if I could meet the challenge of special constables. Police & Crime Plan of building being a uniformed police officer. safer communities, increasing I volunteer regularly in my own By Katy Bourne police visibility, improving public time because the satisfaction I confidence and focusing positively get out of making my community “I was delighted to open on victims.” a safer and more pleasant recruitment for 120 special environment is immeasurable. The constables as I am a huge “On Tuesday (27 August) I had thing I enjoy the most is knowing advocate of the benefits of the pleasure of spending a few I am making a difference to the volunteering and of communities hours with Special Constable quality of people’s lives. getting involved in keeping their Colin Tribe, as we were being local areas safe. These volunteer interviewed by local media as part “The support I get from my officers are a unique group of of the recruitment launch. Colin employer to volunteer as a people who give their time for volunteers with the Brighton special constable shows their free to help keep Sussex safe, and Hove Neighbourhood dedication to giving something and they bring experience and Policing Team and works full back to the community that we diversity to the workforce. time for the Brighton Marina live and work in - this is further Estate Management Company. repaid by the enhanced training “It was my election pledge to He became a volunteer as part and professionalism that I then further increase and encourage of the Employer Supported bring back to my day job.”

18 Issue 11 SPECIAL IMPACT Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner launches new OPERATION GRIMALDI Special Constable recruitment drive

GMP specials worked with the traffic unit and partner agencies to enforce legislation surrounding cycle safety.

WILMSLOW SHOW Members of Cheshire’s Special Constabulary were in attendance to ensure the success of the Wilmslow Show. An estimated 1000 people attended the annual event, which featured a Classic Car show, a RAF display, and various performances from local bands.

Special Constable Alex Drumm said: “Being at events like these is really rewarding as it allows us to show a presence in the community and interact with the public.” “We often get told a lot of information that we wouldn’t have normally found out about, so from a policing point of view it can pay dividends.” Paying tribute to the Special Constabulary, Wilmslow resident Samuel Johnson said “I think it’s brilliant that Specials give their own time to make our community a safer place.” “Seeing and talking to them at events like this provides a lot of reassurance.”

GWENT SPECIALS FIND CANNABIS Three Special Constables, whilst working on a plain clothes off-road bike Operation with two Community Support Officers came across an encampment in Rogestone Forest, next to 177 cannabis plants. The plants were pulled out, bagged and dragged 150 metres through the forest to the nearest vehicle access. Accommodation for the would-be farmers, compromising of camping gear was also removed. There were no ‘owners’ around at the time so officers kindly left them a note asking them to contact Newport Police Station for further information about their missing plants! Newport Superintendent Mark Warrander said “Great result, well done all! Though judging from the smiles I suggest you were stood too close to the plants!”

SPECIAL IMPACT Issue 11 19 take into account the Special Constables Amendment Regulations 2012, and the Competency Based Questions (CBQ) section New Address for the has been updated in line with College of Policing the refreshed specials recruit London based office assessment exercises.

The College of Policing A brochure “Becoming a London based office has Special Constable” has also recently moved locations. been produced as a separate The new address is: document to the application form. This can be used College of Policing by forces as promotional 10th Floor, Riverside House material at recruitment 2a Southwark Bridge Road events. London SE1 9HA The brochure and the Contact telephone numbers application form are available and email addresses remain on POLKA under the “Special the same. Constabulary” community. There are various versions National Special available: Constable Application Form • Application form - PDF with CBQ section The updated national special • Application form - Word constable application form with CBQ section was launched on 3rd June • Application form - PDF 2013 in conjunction with the without CBQ section refreshed specials recruit • Application form - Word assessment exercises. without CBQ section • Brochure - PDF format The specials application Follow us form has been updated to @SCImpactmag