To mark International Volunteers Day (5 December), branch chair Phil Walker has praised the efforts of Special Constables as he reflected on their addition to the Federation two years ago.

 

Voluntary police officers were able to become members of the Federation back in July 2022 after a new Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act was introduced.

 

Despite the Special Constabulary being formed back in 1831, its members had no overarching organisation representing them until this point.

 

 

 

Special Constables are volunteers who typically contribute a minimum of 16 hours a month to their respective force, making an impact in areas of policing such as response, neighbourhood and roads.

 

Phil said: “The work of Specials in South Wales should never go unnoticed, because what they continue to do is incredible.

 

“Many of them have day jobs to manage and commit to, but that still doesn’t stop them turning out as police volunteers week in, week out. And for those who might be retired from work - some of whom are former cops - to still give themselves to the Force is equally as impressive.

“I’d like to take this opportunity, as we mark International Volunteers Day, to thank every single Special for their continuous efforts.”

 

Earlier this year, history was made when a member of the Special Constabulary became a South Wales Police Federation representative for the very first time.

 

Special Sergeant Lee Williams stepped into the role in April and quickly established himself as the Fed’s point of contact for other voluntary cops.

Another Special Sergeant, Ben Johns, recently won the Extra Mile Award for Volunteers at the annual #TeamSWP (South Wales Police) Awards, held in October.

 

“As everyone can see, Specials are doing great things all the time and I think it’s only right that they get the attention and recognition they deserve.

 

“They are a credit to policing and I’m looking forward to seeing them continue to achieve as Federation members in the years to come,” Phil added.