Federation looking forward to representing Specials

30 June 2022

Suffolk branch secretary Ben Hudson says the Police Federation will lift the voices of Special Constables and ensure they’re heard when they finally join.

A change in the law means that Special Constables can join the Federation’s 139,000-strong membership from tomorrow (1 July) – nearly 200 years after they were formed.

Ben said: “It’s not before time that our Special Constable colleagues are able to join the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW).

“It’s an historic moment and a proud moment, and one which follows a decade of campaigning by the PFEW for Specials to be able to access the wealth of support and advice services we offer.

“Specials give their time, dedicating thousands of hours to supporting our officers and the public.

“They face the same dangers and risks as full-time officers and during the pandemic we saw just what an the important role they play.

“We’re looking forward to being able to represent them, to offering them expert support and advice, to lifting up their voices so they’re heard loud and clear.”

The Special Constabulary was formed in 1831 but its members haven’t had an umbrella organisation representing them and had negligible legal protection – until now. 

With the new Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 now coming into force, Special Constables can sign up for PFEW membership to receive support and advice from elected workplace reps who have received full training on Police Regulations.

Dave Bamber, the national Federation’s Special Constabulary lead, said: “Specials play a dangerous and difficult role in society, and they need support in the workplace to ensure they are treated fairly and not disadvantaged and the Federation will be there to offer that support.

“From a Special Constabulary point of view, the law change is a really big indication of acceptance within the police family and the Federation wishes to embrace them as well.”

Federation national chair Steve Hartshorn added: “Special Constables bring their own unique set of life skills into policing. It is only right that they have the same protection, support, and experience as their full-time colleagues when they need it.

“As members they will have access to PFEW services and the support of trained and accredited Federation reps, our legal service providers and other experts who have experience in representing officers. They will also have access to many other benefits provided local and nationally by the PFEW’s network across England and Wales.

“I would encourage the Special Constables who are interested in joining as members to contact their local Federation representatives, local branch board or visit the PFEW website to learn more.”

Find out more.