National Volunteers’ Week: new branch chair celebrates Specials

6 June 2025

The new chair of Nottinghamshire Police Federation, Mark Lee, says National Volunteers' Week is a chance to celebrate the ‘incredible contribution’ of the Force’s Specials.

Mark praised the ‘selflessness and dedication’ of Specials, who - according to the most recent figures - volunteered an incredible 23,168 hours in 2023.

He said: “It’s important to acknowledge the incredible contribution Specials make to Nottinghamshire Police.

“Their selflessness in giving up their own time and their dedication to policing is invaluable.

“Specials volunteer hundreds of hours of service every week, working alongside regular officers to serve and protect the public.

Unique skills

“They bring with them unique skills and receive training they can apply in their civilian lives.

“They are an essential part of our Force and this Volunteers' Week [2-8 June], I’d like to thank them all for their contribution. It makes a huge difference.”

It has been almost three years since a campaign by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) to allow Specials to become Federation members successfully resulted in a change in the law.

It means that Specials are entitled to membership and to receive support and advice from the Federation, including through misconduct proceedings and post-incident procedures.

Specials

Mark said: “Specials have a long and rich history of serving the public, stretching back to 1831 when the Special Constabulary was formed.

“So it was not before time that Specials were able to become Federation members.

“Specials have the same police powers, uniforms, and equipment as their full-time colleagues, so it was only right that they have the same level of representation and support.

“And having access to that representation and legal protection has opened up more opportunities for our Specials to grow and develop their skills.”

Mark added: “If there are any Specials who are not members, then I would strongly urge them to consider it.”

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