National Specials Weekend a great success

Cheshire Special Constabulary clocked up over a whopping 1,600 hours of their own time as part of National Specials Weekend.

Volunteer officers took to the streets to showcase just how valuable the Special Constabulary is in helping the Constabulary police its communities.

Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, David Keane and Chief Constable Simon Byrne also got to see first-hand the role specials officer play in helping to keep Cheshire safe during the weekend celebration.

Leadership, integration and collaboration were three of the key themes of this year’s National Specials Weekend.

Local policing priorities for the weekend were established and each initiative was led by the Special Constabulary. The teams consisted of specials, regular officers, and PCSOs who all worked together to address local community needs – as one integrated team.

Special officers across the county got involved with StreetSafe initiatives, speed enforcement activities, retail patrols, community engagement events and much more throughout the weekend.

A particular highlight was when special officers joined regular officers and firearms officers to conduct a drugs warrant in Warrington. A quantity of what is believed to be class B drugs was discovered at the property.

Twenty special officers also took part in a Personal Safety Training course – refreshing their skills in order to keep themselves and members of the public safe.

Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, David Keane said: “I was absolutely delighted to be involved in National Specials Weekend and really enjoyed my time walking the streets of Chester with those who give up their free time to serve the people of Cheshire.

“I got to see the true value of the Special Constabulary this weekend and how they contribute to keeping their communities safe. I really hope the weekend showcased to the public just how priceless volunteer police officers are to the Constabulary.

“I want to say a massive thank you for all the hard work and commitment that all special officers, give to the Constabulary – providing a truly valuable service to the public of Cheshire.”

Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: “The Special Constabulary is a vital part of the policing family, and really do provide a truly invaluable service to the public of Cheshire.

“I really enjoyed going out with special officers in Widnes, Warrington and Northwich at the weekend to see first-hand the activities the Special Constabulary get involved in day in and day out. It really was good to see the enthusiasm and commitment that these officers give to the Constabulary and our communities.”

Special Constabulary Chief Officer Celvyn Jones said: “The duties which the Special Constabulary carried out over the weekend were phenomenal and I am really proud to lead such a dedicated, determined and selfless team here in Cheshire. The hours that were given over the weekend really shows just how committed the special officers are in helping to keep Cheshire safe.

“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 coming to a recruitment seminar to learn more about joining our team.”

To find out more about becoming a Special Constable please visit www.cheshire.police.uk