Being recognised with a #TeamSWP Award has added to a Specials sergeant’s sense of pride as he prepares to reach a decade of volunteering with the police.

Benjamin (Ben) Johns, who joined the Force in 2015, received the Extra Mile Award for Volunteers.

Ben, 31, said: “It is an absolute privilege to receive the acknowledgement. There are so many volunteers in our Force doing great work day in, day out, and only one of us can win this award, so it means a great deal to me.

“After gaining my long service medal earlier in 2024, this award makes it a really nice year for me, as I go into my 10th as a Special.

“Looking back on my time in the role so far, there are so many things I am proud of.

“To witness the Special Constabulary grow and develop and know I’ve played a part in that is a very good feeling. I’ve seen so many fantastic plans come to fruition and have a real positive impact on the Force, and I think the Special Constabulary is only going to get stronger in the future.”

An NHS clinical scientist in his day job, Ben typically dedicates around 20 hours a week to policing across three key areas.

Inspector

The duty which has featured most commonly throughout his Special career has been on response in Cardiff city centre, which he says allows him to keep up his operational competence.

He is currently acting as a temporary Specials inspector for the second time and is in charge of organising Special-led engagement events to connect with communities, as well as beat deployment units to provide resilience to regular officers on the frontline.

Ben also sets time aside for administrative duties as part of his positions on the Cardiff and the Vale Basic Command Unit and the Special Constabulary Management Board.

He continued: “I’m active on social media about what I get up to as a Special. I’m so proud to do what we do and I think it’s important for people to see how much enjoyment there is in volunteering for the police.

“I want people to see what the Special Constabulary has to offer – for example, there were eight of us [Specials] on a beat deployment unit on Hallowe’en night, which is just something there obviously isn’t the capacity for if the Force only has regulars.

“We actually had to deal with some anti-social behaviour on the night, involving fireworks being lit and directed at us, and it was our strength as a unit that meant we were equipped to respond well as police officers.”

Membership

Earlier this year, Ben discussed his views on the early stages of Specials’ membership within the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), which began in 2022.

Looking ahead to the future, he praised the appointment of Special Sergeant Lee Williams as South Wales Police Federation’s first-ever representative for voluntary officers.

“I think it is a really positive move,” he said. “I know Lee has already been putting work into action by reaching out to Specials and listening to their opinions on where things can be improved, so we are constantly feeling more integrated and valued.

“Now, I think it is about maturing that relationship between Specials and the Federation. The Special Constabulary has so much to offer, and that goes for every area of policing including supporting our staff association.”

Development

Ben went on to praise some of the colleagues he recognises as being instrumental to his policing success so far, paying tribute to the likes of Sergeant Tiago Mil-Homens, Special Superintendent Madeleine Clements MBE and Special Constabulary Chief Officer Dale Cartwright.

He also gave a mention to the officers on the receiving end of his own help and support, reflecting on the joy he has felt from witnessing the development of fellow Specials, whether they have furthered their voluntary careers or made the switch to full-time, regular policing.

He ended by reiterating his desire to be part of the Special Constabulary for the long haul.

“The passion I have for police volunteering is pretty clear to see, I think, and I doubt that will ever weaken. There is still a lot I want to achieve as a Special and I feel hungry and motivated enough to keep giving 100 per cent for the many years ahead.

“Along the way of this journey, to get some recognition and appreciation is very much welcome, and this award is something I am truly humbled by.”

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