Police Federation: Special Constables must support their Regular colleagues - not replace them

23 December 2020

Devon and Cornwall Police Federation Chairman Andy Berry said: “Devon and Cornwall Police Federation have been consulted over the development of the PCC’s plan to pay members of the Special Constabulary to provide additional ‘COVID duties’ over the Christmas period.

“This is a significant diversion from their well-established volunteer status and Devon and Cornwall seem to be the first force to offer cash for additional duties rather than reward Specials for work already done which is our understanding of a similar scheme in the West Midlands.

“This interesting experiment which has essentially been developed on the hoof to, as the PCC, says ‘test the concept’ will need careful analysis to ensure that it is effective, value for money and doesn’t bring with it unintended consequences.”

Andy added: “I am a massive supporter of the Special Constabulary and was always grateful of their assistance when I worked a beat, but we need to ensure that the long-standing relationship of the Special Constabulary supporting my members but not replacing them remains.

“At a time when our colleagues are under significant pressure, I’m glad that the PCC is being imaginative on how she might support exhausted officers across the force, and I look forward to being involved in a detailed review of the effectiveness and practicality of this experiment.

“Specials are in my view brilliant individuals giving up their free time to help keep their communities safe - but they are not fully qualified police officers and don’t have the benefit of the extensive training which officers get.”