Volunteers Week: Specials play ‘pivotal’ role says Fed rep

4 June 2024

When Sergeant James Stopford became a work-based representative in 2017, he cited the backing he had received from the branch as the reason for stepping into the role.

After steadfast support saw him through a difficult period involving a complaint made against him, James decided he wanted to do the same for other officers in similar positions – continuing the well-worn path of all the reps who had come before him.

Although still faced with the challenges of any fresh responsibility, James was able to draw on the groundwork of colleagues and predecessors to help carry out much of his Federation duties.

Last year, however, his work as a rep entered unchartered territory as he became the Federation’s first Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for Special Constables.

“No one was going to do it for me, nor did it make it easy, but the job felt familiar before [taking on the SPOC role],” said James, adding: “Once the Specials were fully confirmed as members of the Federation, the role was proposed within Hertfordshire and I took it, so you could say I volunteered for the volunteers.

“The fact that no one had ever done it before excited me.”

James, 35, welcomed the recent introduction of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act, which saw Special Constables able to become members of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) for the first time, having always held the voluntary officers in high regard from the outset of his policing career 16 years ago.

“I was a PCSO for five years and have been a police officer for 11 years, and I have always had a positive outlook on Specials. I think they’re pivotal to the Force, especially in the current climate of recruitment issues, and I think more faith is being put into them than ever,” he continued.

According to the sergeant, the increased integration of Specials as equally trusted police officers has manifested itself through operations within the Force – and now, the onus is on the likes of himself to ensure this parity extends to the Federation, too.

Special Sergeant James Stopford

“Personally, the biggest way I have seen Specials become more valued is through them being on response teams as well as neighbourhood teams. I think that’s been a good move.

“But it’s also an example of how important it is for them to have the protection of the Federation. In the past, for example, you could have had the situation situation of a double-crewed response car – one regular officer and one Special – and if the worst happened, only one of them would’ve had the Fed to fall back on.

“Now they [Specials] have this equality, I want to see that it keeps going as far as possible on our part.”

Part of James’ proactive approach towards strengthening these bonds comes in the form of a newsletter exclusively for Hertfordshire’s Special Constables. Sent out quarterly, the newsletter typically provides updates on Federation matters both locally and nationally.

This inclusive blueprint keeps Specials in the loop and reduces the chances of them becoming disengaged in the role, a heightened risk in voluntary officers.

Meanwhile, an area of engagement the former PSCO is looking to improve upon is Federation presence at events marking the end of a Special’s formal police training.

“I’m currently in the process of making lines of communication better, so then when a Special completes their training, I am not finding out too late and merely making contact on an email. I want to be there at the attestation ceremonies, introducing myself to new Specials and making it clear exactly who I am,” he said.

James added he is also mindful of the more reactive side of the role.

“In terms of the self-generated work, it may feel like more of what I’ve been used to as a rep, but I want to keep getting better as a SPOC so I am ready for whatever needs a Specials may come to me with.”

Despite the large emphasis he places on viewing Special Constables as the same as any police officer, PS Stopford also pointed out that, in some respects, they should also be remembered for the unique circumstances they operate within.

“It’s important to see them as the same but as different, too.

“Anyone who puts on that uniform deserves the same protection, but at the end of the day, these people are volunteers, so I’m always trying to understand their specific needs better.”

As far as James is concerned, this learning-on-the-job nature does not bring intimidation to the role, but much rather excitement.

He ended: “The fact I am laying the foundations for this role is something I am relishing and find really interesting.

“Like I said, I’ve always had huge respect for Specials, but I feel even more connected to them now. Volunteering in general is incredible, but to do so for the Police is something else.

“I just want the Federation’s relationship with them to keep growing – I think, for the benefit of the entire Force, that is absolutely paramount.”