Cheshire Constabulary marks National Specials Weekend with county-wide day of action

Throughout the day, officers were highly visible in towns and communities including Warrington, Widnes, Crewe, Chester, Ellesmere Port, Wilmslow and Congleton, providing reassurance to residents while tackling key local concerns.

Special Chief Officer Leon Boland said: “National Specials Weekend provides a welcome opportunity to shine a spotlight on the incredible work of our volunteer police officers, but what we saw over the weekend is just a snapshot of what they deliver all year round.

“I want to thank the more than 50 specials who gave up their Saturday to serve our communities. Your professionalism, commitment and willingness to step forward - often at the expense of personal time - makes a real and tangible difference to policing across Cheshire.

“I’m equally proud of every member of the Special Constabulary who contributes throughout the year. Together, our volunteers provide thousands of hours of policing support, strengthening our service, supporting our regular colleagues and helping to keep our communities safe.”

Key moments from the day of action included targeted work to tackle anti-social driving, with officers carrying out dedicated speed enforcement in Alderley Edge and Wilmslow in response to concerns raised by local residents, using intelligence-led patrols to address ongoing issues.

In Congleton, proactive patrols in known hotspot areas led to a rider being arrested and an illegal bike seized after officers identified drug use.

Special Constables also supported a range of local events, providing a visible and reassuring presence during a busy music festival in Warrington and engaging with communities at events such as the Afro Festival in Crewe.

Partnership working was evident throughout the day, with officers assisting Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service at the scene of a road traffic collision in Halton, helping to ensure the safety of both emergency responders and members of the public.

High-visibility patrols in key retail locations, including Cheshire Oaks and Chester City Centre, saw officers engaging with residents, businesses and young people, helping to build trust and confidence within the community.

The day also provided valuable opportunities to develop future officers, with newly trained Special Constables undertaking their first operational duties and gaining important frontline experience under supervision.

In total, the activity showcased only a fraction of the contribution made by the Special Constabulary, who have already volunteered over 23,000 hours so far this year.

Assistant Chief Constable Bill Dutton said: “Our Special Constables play a vital role in policing across Cheshire, and this day of action highlights the breadth of what they bring - from tackling crime and anti-social behaviour to engaging with communities and supporting major events.

“They are a highly valued part of our workforce, providing additional resilience, skills and community insight that strengthens our ability to protect the public.

“I would like to thank every volunteer who has contributed their time this weekend and throughout the year. Their dedication and commitment are outstanding, and they continue to make a meaningful difference to the safety and wellbeing of our communities.”

The day of action also highlighted the importance of community intelligence, with officers responding directly to concerns raised by residents and using that information to shape patrol plans and enforcement activity.

Anyone inspired by the weekend’s activity and interested in becoming a volunteer police officer is encouraged to apply on the recruitment section of our website before the application window closes on Monday 15 June