Federation access moves closer for Specials

15 September 2021

Suffolk branch chair Darren Harris says he’s proud that the Police Federation will soon be opening its doors to Special Constables.

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill – includes provision to permit Specials to become members – is currently going through Parliament. It’s set to become law in the first few months of next year.

Darren said: “We’ve been campaigning for Specials to be able to join the Federation for a number of years now and it’s really pleasing to see it moving a step nearer.

“It’s only right that Specials get the same legal protection and support as regular police officers as members of the Police Federation.

“Specials face the same risks as regular officers, and they’ve played a vital role during the pandemic, so I’m proud that we’ll soon be able to welcome them into the Federation.

“We’re looking forward to that day,” he added.

Darren’s comments have been echoed by Dave Bamber, secretary of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) Special Constabulary Working Group, in a blog he’s written on the Federation’s website.

Dave said: “Specials won’t be treated any differently when they join PFEW. They will have parity with the existing membership, and exactly the same expert support, representation, and rights to vote and stand in elections. Nothing will be any different from any Special and an existing member.

“As volunteers though, we are keen to offer as much support as we can – especially for Specials who might not earn a lot in their day jobs or are struggling financially.”

Dave added: “There is so much work to be done on the behalf of Specials. Nobody has looked properly at their conditions of service, how they are treated in the workplace, their terms of reference, or their pensions, for many, many years.”

Read the full blog.