Special Constables dedicate 207,000 voluntary hours to Essex
It has earnt the force the Queens Award for Voluntary Service
Volunteer police officers in Essex have been awarded for their hard work - especially at the beginning of the pandemic.
They dedicated over 207.500 hours in the year to March and that's gained the force the Queens Award for Voluntary Service.
Superintendent Shaun Kane, head of Essex Police Special Constabulary, says the recognition is inspiring and that there is ‘an overwhelming sense of gratitude’ which is a reflection of the pride felt by each and every officer.
The force say their Special Constabulary is the second largest in the country with 513 officers dedicated to the people and communities of Essex and committed to helping them, keeping them safe and catching criminals.
Supt Kane says:
“It’s meant the world to be recognised in this way; to know that the support provided by our Specials has positively and tangibly contributed to policing and people’s lives.
“Essex is one of the fastest-growing Special Constabularies in the country, which is pushing the boundaries of inclusivity within the police service and consistently demonstrating our values in community-based policing.
“To receive The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is a fantastic acknowledgement and achievement which also reflects the positive culture within our force. It’s an absolute privilege and I’d like to thank everyone who helped make this award possible.”
Specials Deputy Chief Officer Derek Hopkins has been a Special for 41 years and he is delighted at the news:
“It’s a recognition of the tremendous voluntary service that our special constables continuously provide. They enjoy helping to make our communities safer and better and this award is an accolade for all the amazing work they do, day in and day out.
“Essex Police Special Constabulary is always here and officers are always wanting to do more. This weekend, several of them will be going to Cornwall to help with the policing operation surrounding the G7 Summit this month.
“When the pandemic hit, it was an opportunity for our volunteers to do even more and those who had been furloughed or made redundant looked to carry out extra duties, performing vital and useful roles for the force as well as protecting and serving the people of Essex.”
Essex Police Special Constabulary has a long and distinguished history since being formed just over a century ago. When World War One broke out in 1914, the then Essex County Constabulary saw 150 of its 450 officers join the Army.
Other forces suffered similar decreases and so the Home Office introduced a team of 6,000 volunteers known as ‘Specials’ to boost the numbers of regular officers.
Unlike today they did not have a uniform, instead wearing a black and white striped armband to signify they were on duty.
Over the years, the role has adapted and improved – Specials now have the same uniform, training, equipment and powers as regular officers.
Could you?
If you are interested in becoming a Special Constable, visit www.essex.police.uk/specials
If you want to become a Special Constable within your own community, you will find more information via www.essex.police.uk/specials and click on Be a Community Special Constable.
If you have Special Constables in your work force and would like more details on how the Employer Supported Policing scheme could work for your business, visit www.essex.police.uk/specials and click on Employer Supported Policing.