The Special Constabulary celebrates its 180th anniversary in 2011. Before police forces were established with paid police officers, communities depended on volunteers. Now, nearly two centuries later, 43 police services in England and Wales have their own Special Constabularies supporting regular police officer colleagues.
The Olympics in 2012 will be a fantastic opportunity for the county as well as a major policing challenge. Specials will play an important role in ensuring they pass off safely. To keep the communities of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent safe and reassured as a force, we have given an undertaking to increase the number of Specials we have to 500, an increase of one third, in time for the Olympics.
The Special Constabulary has a vital role to play within Staffordshire Police. As uniformed officers, Special Constables help provide reassurance through a more visible and locally identifiable policing presence.
Special Constables, or Specials, are volunteers drawn from local communities. They are responsible for helping the regular force ensure that the demands of local communities and force objectives are met through interaction with the public.
Recruits come from a variety of occupations and backgrounds. Many are in full or part-time jobs or study. Some are raising a family. Currently there are more than 300 Special Constables working for Staffordshire Police.
As well as giving something back to the community, Special Constables can acquire transferable skills, gain valuable experience and learn a lot from their regular colleagues. The role offers a great opportunity to see first hand what a career in the police service might be like.
Special Constables perform duties and exercise powers under the supervision of, and supported by regular police officers. They provide a vital link between the regular force officers and the community.
The main focus of Special Constables is to provide a visible uniformed presence in communities to tackle issues that affect a community’s feeling of well-being. Special Constables have the full range of police powers including making arrests and stop and search.
Special Constables are fully integrated into the neighbourhood policing teams on the divisions.
As a Special Constable you are issued with a full uniform. As volunteers, Specials do not get paid but they do receive an allowance for duties performed and travelling expenses.
Special Constables receive thorough training in different aspects of police work.
They are expected to work a minimum of 16 hours per month. There are no set hours.
The role of a Special Constable can be a demanding one, requiring the physical and mental ability to cope with working hard under pressure. Above all, they are of good character and repute. Being representatives of the law, Special Constables must display the very highest standards of honesty and integrity.
