Specials Thanked for Regional Support During Public Disorder

Posted on November 2, 2011

Special constables contributed 19,495 hours across the region to the policing response during widespread public disorder in August.

There are more than 2,200 Specials in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk and they played a key role in maintaining community stability.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hopkins, Eastern Region Specials lead, said: "Once again, this demonstrates how Special constables are part of our everyday business and how we can rely on them for support. The number of hours they contributed was outstanding and their regional support was invaluable."

Nigel Green, Eastern Region Specials Coordinator, said: "I would like to thank all officers for their support during the operation. Across the region there were 70 arrests made during the disorder by Special constables.

We rely heavily on Specials not just for general policing but during major events. Without their help the regular police force would be further stretched. Specials are volunteers. They give up their time to reduce crime and the fear of crime. They come from a variety of backgrounds and do all of this to police the local communities for no pay."

During the disorder Specials carried out front line duties at key locations, including reassurance patrols.

For more information about Specials or if you're interested in becoming a Special, visit our Single Volunteering Unit page.

Source: Ringmaster Bedfordshire