Federation membership a 'no-brainer' for Specials

28 May 2025

Derbyshire Police’s Special Constabulary co-ordinator says it’s ‘a no-brainer’ for Specials to join the Federation.

A campaign by the Police Federation of England and Wales to allow Specials to become Federation members successfully resulted in a change in the law.

It means that since July 2022, Specials are entitled to membership and to receive support and advice from the Federation, including through misconduct proceedings and Post-Incident Procedures.

Derbyshire Police has one of the highest uptakes of Federation membership among its Specials in the country.

Specials

Sergeant Mark Smith is Derbyshire Police’s Special Constabulary co-ordinator and is the link between the Force and its Specials.

He is a big advocate of the support the Federation can provide.

Mark said: “Membership for Specials is paid by our Chief Constable and the Police and Crime Commissioner.

“I say to our Specials that it’s essentially free insurance, so why wouldn’t you join?

“For me, it’s a no-brainer.”

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