Kent Police Federation backs plans for Specials to be part of PFEW

28 August 2019

Kent Police Federation is backing plans to allow Special Constables to join the Police Federation of England and Wales.

Former Home Secretary Sajid Javid announced his intention to get Government legislation changed to enable specials to join the Federation at this year’s PFEW Bravery Awards.

They are currently precluded from being members of the staff association and are instead represented by the Association of Special Constabulary Officers (ASCO).

ASCO has now met with the PFEW, the Home Office and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) to further plans which will see PFEW support Specials around conduct, performance and post-incident issues.

ASCO will work on behalf of Special Constables on policies, process and terms and conditions.

Kent Police Federation Chairman Chris Carter said it was ‘only right’ that Special Constables should benefit from PFEW protection.

“During my time as Kent Police Federation Chairman, I have always wanted to see members of the Special Constabulary supported by the Federation and in Kent we have always assisted Special Constables when they have come to us,” he said.

“The Special Constabulary is a vital part of the policing family and it’s only right that those who volunteer for it know that they have the support and assistance to do what is an increasingly demanding job.”

The Federation’s Chairman-elect Neil Mennie was a Special Constable before joining the force full time.

“As a former Special Constable myself, I am fully aware of the demands placed upon them. This is an initiative that I strongly support and want to see continued work on,” he said.

“Kent Special Constables should continue to come to the Kent Police Federation Office if they need any support or guidance in matters concerning discipline, performance and post incident.”