New rep wants to ‘bridge gap’ between Specials and Fed

3 July 2025

A Special Sergeant has vowed to help voluntary officers become ‘properly integrated’ into the Federation after beginning life as a workplace representative earlier this year.

Gary Saunders says his new role in the branch is part of a long-term commitment to the Special Constabulary, which started eight years ago and has seen him go on to make strong impacts in the Ilkeston, Ripley and Chesterfield Local Policing Units (LPUs).

In the latter two areas, Gary has also managed other Specials since stepping up in rank in 2020, coordinating teams and overseeing the development of many fellow police volunteers.

Now, he is ready to take that responsibility a step further through his work as a Fed rep.

 

Gary Saunders

 

“It’s only been a few months since I was elected, but I already feel like this position in the Federation is one of the biggest honours of my policing career,” he said.

“What inspired me to put myself forward for it was seeing a gap between how much Specials give to policing and how much their perspectives are considered when new policies, rules and entitlements are introduced. Now I have the platform to help change that, I feel very proud and privileged.

“I think there is also an awareness gap going in the other direction, in the sense of Specials not always knowing what the Federation can offer to them, so I want to help fix that too.

“Essentially, I just want to act as that bridge between both parties, to make for a stronger, more dependable support system for Specials in the unique challenges they face in the Force – that’s what I want to see put in place over the coming months and years.”

IT technician

An IT technician in his day job, Gary joined Derbyshire Constabulary as a Special to capitalise on a long-standing respect for the police without having to make a major career switch, all while serving a local community like the one in Nottinghamshire where he grew up.

Holding an extra, unpaid duty outside of his primary profession was already more than familiar to him, however, having volunteered with the Army and the Royal Air Force (RAF) for years before.

“I thought it was time to push myself out of my comfort zone in a different way,” he continued.

“Wherever I’ve been, I’ve always found bringing through younger colleagues really rewarding. It’s what I did with Army and RAF cadets, and it’s what I’ve been able to do in policing.

“Being promoted to Special Sergeant wasn’t a move I wanted just for the sake of the rank – it was about getting into a position where I could mentor newer Specials and help them overcome some of the same challenges I faced and become more confident officers.

Voluntary role

“Taking on another voluntary role is no problem to me, not only because of my years of experience, but because it’s another opportunity to get this same satisfaction from supporting others.”

Beyond his guidance of junior counterparts, Gary says many of his highlights in the Special Constabulary have come from ‘the moments that follow the most challenging moments’.

The 62-year-old explained this through the aftermath of a critical incident on the frontline – such as a suicidal person on a bridge, or a confused elderly person wandering busy streets – where a cop can appreciate the difference they have just made to the life of someone vulnerable.

“In these situations, it’s likely when they needed it most. Giving back to the community can be seen as a bit of a cliché, but it’s from these moments of human connection that so many are reminded of why they are in the police.”

Gary also pointed out that just like members of the public, police officers need someone to be there for them in times of isolation.

Duties

For Specials, he says such a struggle can often arise from being an ‘afterthought’ in comparison to regulars – something he wants to see eradicated in the long term.

As he gears up to handle workplace representative duties, Gary knows exactly how he can play his part in making this happen.

“I recognise I now have the power to make other Specials see the Fed will stick up for them and not leave them to fight battles on their own.

“As a rep, I bring a straight-talking, no-nonsense approach, where I won’t be afraid to hold anyone to account for the benefit of branch members.

“At the same time, members can expect me to be very approachable, to listen to them and to represent them honestly,” he ended.

READ MORE: Kirsty Bunn steps down as branch secretary.