POLICE chiefs in Warwickshire have praised the “exemplary support” from its volunteer special constabulary team during the Covid-19 crisis.
‘Specials’ in the county have worked more than 3,000 hours since March 23, which equates to over 600 hours a week, or the equivalent of almost 16 full time officers.
Nine of the team have already done over 100 hours each during this lockdown period, five of who have exceeded 150 volunteer hours.
Warwickshire Police Special Constabulary is a group of trained volunteers – currently 86 strong – who work with and support the organisation. They come from all walks of life and volunteers are often key workers in other organisations, including teachers and civil servants.
Special constables have full police powers, wear a police uniform and work alongside regular police officers and police staff. They typically spend around four hours a week, or more, supporting the police tackling crime in our local communities.
Police chiefs said ‘Specials’ had been pivotal in some recent success stories, including helping install and set up a remote video link from our Leamington custody suite to Coventry Magistrates’ Court – ensuring that cases could continue via a virtual court system – and the deployment of a ‘stinger’ device to halt a vehicle that failed to stop on the A46.
Special chief officer Katherine Hancock said: “The work our volunteer Specials do is extraordinary. We only ask for 16 hours a month, but so many of them have already given far beyond that. They have helped ensure the force has all the assistance and resilience it needs to support Operation Stay Home.
“Alongside the thousands of additional hours, they have embraced a variety of new roles and tasks in unusual circumstances. They have played an instrumental part in engaging, educating, encouraging and when absolutely necessary, enforcing the instructions for us all to stay home, save lives and protect the NHS.”
Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe added his praise for the work of the force’s special constabulary.
“I have been really impressed by the way in which communities have come together across Warwickshire to support each other during the Covid-19 emergency. This is exemplified by the members of the Special Constabulary who go above and beyond to volunteer their time, despite any personal challenges the current situation may bring them and their families. It really has made a significant difference and on behalf of residents across Warwickshire
“I want to express a heartfelt thank you for all the work that our special constables are doing alongside their regular colleagues to keep us all safe.”
Warwickshire Police is looking to recruit more ‘Specials’. Visit www.warwickshire.police.uk for further details.
