Specials are vital to the Force, says branch chair

5 December 2024

Derbyshire Police Federation chair Keith Chambers says it is difficult to put a value on the vital contribution that Specials make to policing.

Speaking on International Volunteer Day, Keith praised the Force’s Specials for the work they do in their spare time alongside regular officers.

He said: “Specials are much more than volunteers. They are valued and respected colleagues who play a vital role in tackling crime and protecting the people of Derbyshire.

“They do a fantastic job alongside our regular officers. Every day, they work alongside regular officers on frontline duties, road policing, tackling cybercrime, and the list goes on.

“They bring skills, knowledge, and experience from outside of policing, and they provide a vital link to the communities that we serve.”

According to the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) 6,118 Special Constables in England and Wales volunteered in the year ending March 31, 2024.

Specials

Keith said: “Specials really do make a difference, and it’s difficult to put a value on the work that they do.”

Since July 2022 Specials have been able to become PFEW members after a successful Federation campaign led to a change in the law.

This means Specials are entitled to membership and to receive support and advice from the Federation, including through misconduct proceedings and Post-Incident Procedures.

Keith said: “Specials have the same powers as regular officers, wear the same uniform, but the difference is that they are volunteering their time.

“It seems almost unbelievable now that they did all that alongside regular officers but without the same Police Federation support for their welfare and legal protection.

“Thankfully, that has changed after a successful campaign by the Federation, and they are now warmly welcomed as members.”

More information for Specials about becoming a Federation member is available here.

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