Would you like to police your local community?
Many people in Cheshire regularly put their spare time to good
use by becoming Special Constables.
Specials, as they’re known, come from all
walks of life - they are teachers,
taxi drivers, accountants and
secretaries, or from many other careers - and they
all volunteer a minimum of four and a quarter hours a week to their
local police force, forming a vital link between the regular police
and the local community.
Specials have the same powers as regular
officers; they wear the same uniform and
are issued with the same protective equipment
including handcuffs and baton. This is coupled with an
understanding of the law and the teaching of various police
procedures from the use of Captor Incapacitant Spray to self
defence.
Special Constables play an integral role in community
policing and there is no doubt that their dedication makes
a difference to peoples lives.
Sometimes they have to tackle people who are affected by drink
or drugs and are causing problems for others. On those occasions
they may face very aggressive behaviour. The work requires
real skill and determination and the training they have
been given sees them through.
What’s so special about being a Special?
Every Special Constable's presence offers
essential and much valued support to the
regular officers. It is important to remember however, that
Specials exist, not as a substitute for the regular police, but as
an important complement to the existing force and to the local
community.
The range of duties you may be involved in are considerable. You
will be in a position to help regular officers in day to day tasks,
helping out across a range of local events such as fetes, shows and
the planning of various operations or patrolling towns and cities
with others or on your own. The work of the police is
extremely varied and as such, your experiences will
reflect this.
You will be working as part of a team and the experiences you
share by working closely together can lead to lasting friendships.
You will learn more about life and human nature than most people
will ever see.
All Specials work towards independent patrol status, they will
initially patrol with other specials or regular officers until they
have proven that they can handle different situations.
What's in it for you?
As a Special Constable you are in an unrivalled position
to help the local community and make it a safer
place to live, free from fear. You will get a feeling of
achievement and accomplishment at having done something to help
others, while supporting regular officers and contributing to the
local community.
Becoming a Special will help you to discover a lot
about yourself, and you will learn just how much you are
really capable of. Aside from the satisfaction and enjoyment of the
work itself, you will:
- Learn new skills and abilities
- Have your experiences broadened
- Develop self-confidence
- Improve your communication
- Improve your motivation
- Meet a wide range of people
Joining the Specials opens up a world of opportunity for
personal and professional advancement. Undergoing the training and
then going out on patrol makes a welcome break from day-to-day
life, bringing excitement and challenge with every day you
volunteer.
Promotion
Once you have the right training and practical experience,
Specials can take on more responsibility. The rank
structure within the Special Constabulary allows promotion which
will provide opportunities for you to take on more, ensuring
that you are constantly challenged and developing your skills. As
with regulars, promotion is achieved through good performance,
dedication to duty and evidence of leadership qualities.
Employer Support
Many companies have policies in place whereby staff who
volunteer are allowed additional paid leave to carry out
their volunteer duties. This is in recognition of the
additional skills a volunteer develops in
communicating with people, having the ability to deal with the
unexpected, to work as part of a team and show commitment.
Employers feel volunteering provides their staff with
transferable skills such as effective negotiation,
decision making and problem solving, as well as ensuring motivated
and loyal employees.
You can contact the Recruitment Team at HQ to see if your
employer is on the Employer Support List or if you are an employer
or work within the HR team, why not consider recognising
Volunteering opportunities as part of your corporate/social
responsibilities policy.