Chair heaps praise on Force’s Specials

5 December 2024

The chair of Suffolk Police Federation has given thanks to the Force’s Specials on International Volunteer Day.

Darren Harris said Specials were a vital part of policing, bringing a wealth of skills and experience to the service and providing an important link with the community.

He said: “Our Specials make a really important contribution to policing in Suffolk, while also balancing their responsibilities with their jobs, their studies, their families and other commitments.

“Specials bring with them their unique skillset, experiences, and outlooks, which really is invaluable, and they are able to learn new skills and take them to their roles outside policing.

“And because they come from many backgrounds and walks of life, they provide a vital link with our communities.

“They do an exceptional job and on behalf of the Federation I thank them for all they do.”

Darren said the exceptional work of Specials was underlined by Kyle Scott, who was the first Special in the country to be individually nominated for a national Police Bravery Award.

Specials

Kyle was put forward for an award after risking his life, as he saved an unresponsive woman from freezing cold waters in March 2023.

Darren said: “There is no doubt he saved the woman’s life on that day.

“Kyle demonstrated everything that is good about policing and the amazing work that our Specials do.”

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) said that 6,118 Special Constables in England and Wales volunteered in the year ending March 31, 2024.

Since July 2022 Specials have been able to become PFEW members after a successful Federation campaign led to a change in the law.

In Suffolk, there is 100 per cent sign up to the Federation by Specials.

Membership

Darren said: “Our Chief Constable is fully behind Specials, our Police and Crime Commissioner pays for their membership, and we are proud to represent and support them.

“Their work carries the same risk as regular officers so they should have the same level of representation and support when it is needed.

“And with us having 100 per cent sign up, it’s important that we have Specials join us as Fed reps.

“I would encourage Specials who are thinking about becoming Federation reps to take that step because we need that representation.”

Contact the Suffolk Police Federation branch for more information about becoming a rep.