Cheshire’s Specials to make a difference this National Specials Weekend

Cheshire’s Special Constabulary will be out making a valuable difference this weekend tackling local community issues across the county.

The activity will take place as part of National Specials Weekend, a national celebration of all those individuals who dedicate their spare time to help police their local communities.

National Specials Weekend, which starts Thursday 3 June to Sunday 6 June, forms part of the wider 'National Volunteers’ Week' which runs from 1-7 June every year. Cheshire has a number of Special Constables who dedicate their free time to keeping the communities of Cheshire safe. The weekend will see specials out and about each day taking part in a variety of policing activities across the county with a focus on local community issues.

Specials in Crewe attended The Lighthouse Centre to help provide support and a weekly hot meal to some of the community’s most vulnerable people.

In Runcorn and Macclesfield, two community events are being organised where the public can bring their dogs to get microchipped and have a health check by veterinary nurses by the local vets, who are volunteering their free time to support the event. The events are being supported by local charities and all they are asking for in return is for owners to donate a grocery item, which will be donated to local food banks.

Specials across the county will also be carrying out a number of roads policing operations, with Northwich and Warrington coming together to target anyone committing one of the Fatal 5 offences (careless driving, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, drink/drug driving and using a mobile phone while driving) along the A49, a key route for serious and fatal collisions.

Assistant Chief Constable, Jenny Sims, said: “It is really important we recognise the value of the Special Constabulary and this weekend gives us the perfect opportunity to do that.

"It is vital we show the public the contribution each and every one of our Special Constables brings in helping to keep Cheshire safe.

“We have a fantastic Special Constabulary full of dedicated, determined and selfless individuals, and I want to express a huge thank you to all of our specials who give up their spare time to police their local communities."

Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer, said: "I am absolutely delighted to be involved in this year's National Specials Weekend. It was fantastic to see first-hand the difference our special constables make to their communities when I took part in the session at The Lighthouse Centre in Crewe.

"I want to say a massive thank you for all the hard work and commitment that all of special officers, give to the Constabulary to help keep our communities safe – providing a truly valuable service to the public of Cheshire."

Assistant Chief Constable Sims, added: "As a special officer you are in an unrivalled position to help the local community and make it a safer place to live. The work of the police is extremely varied and as such, your experiences as a special constable will reflect this. The role is challenging and rewarding, and I would encourage anyone who would like to help tackle local issues to seriously consider joining the policing family and becoming a special."

To follow the work the Special Constabulary will be carrying out over National Specials Weekend, you can follow them on Twitter or Facebook, read updates on our other policing accounts, or search for #NSW21 on social media.

The Special Constabulary is a team of volunteer police officers. They have the same powers in law as every other police officer, they wear the same uniform, carry the same equipment and work alongside regular officers.

To apply to become a special constable with Cheshire Police, or for more information visit the careers page on our website.