Volunteers Week: Specials making a vital contribution

6 June 2025

Specials make an invaluable contribution to policing in the West Midlands, says Federation branch chair Jess Davies.

Jess said National Volunteers Week provided the ideal opportunity to thank them for their hard work and dedication.

She said: “On behalf of the Federation, I thank our Specials for their commitment and selflessness in serving our communities.

“They volunteer their own time to work alongside regular officers, often juggling family commitments and careers.

“And with those roles outside of policing, Specials bring with them a diverse set of skills and a different perspective that we might not otherwise have.

Vital role

“Being a Special is a unique and vital role. They are invaluable and the Force is stronger for their contribution.”

West Midlands Police has 181 Special Constables, who have already volunteered more than 17,000 hours of frontline duty this year.

Specials can now benefit from membership of the Federation. It has been almost three years since a successful campaign by PFEW to allow Specials to become members.

Since the law change in 2022, Specials are entitled to membership and to receive support and advice from the Federation, including through misconduct proceedings and post-incident procedures.

Specials

However, not all Specials in West Midlands Police have signed up, and Jess renewed the branch’s call for them to consider doing so.

She said: “Federation membership for Specials is paid by the Force, so it’s free to them.

“It’s worth remembering that Specials have the same police powers, uniforms, and equipment as their full-time colleagues, and they may need access to the same level of Federation support, advice, and representation.

“I’d encourage any Specials who are not members, to please consider subscribing.”

READ MORE: Have your say in National Police Wellbeing Survey.