Deputy Staffordshire Commissioner Sue Arnold is praising the vital work the Specials are doing to support communities across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent during the coronavirus pandemic.
Between 23 March, when the lockdown began, and 18 May, over 200 volunteers from the Special Constabulary have clocked up 11,062 hours of service, including:
• Making 25 arrests and assisting in 68 arrests
• Attending 28 road traffic collisions
• Transporting 55 prisoners
• Recording 25 crimes
• Seizing 31 vehicles
• Carrying out 51 vehicle stops
• Conducting 56 stop and searches.
Mrs Arnold leads on the volunteer portfolio on behalf of the Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime, Matthew Ellis.
She said: “These are incredibly challenging times for everyone, and the role of the Specials in protecting vulnerable people and keeping us all safe has never been more important.
“As volunteers, Specials truly go above and beyond the call of duty to support their colleagues, at a time when they will naturally be concerned about the health and wellbeing of their own friends and family.
“I thank them for their commitment, their compassion and the personal sacrifices they make every day to ensure we all come through this crisis safely.”
Tony Athersmith, Chief Officer of Staffordshire Special Constabulary, added: “I get a real sense of pride leading such a committed and passionate team of Special Constables as they support their colleagues in the force, and our local communities.
“During these challenging times, their work has never been so important to policing and I know their valuable contribution is appreciated by all those they work alongside.”
The Special Constabulary is made up of volunteers who, when on duty, wear a uniform and have full police powers, carrying out the same duties as a regular police officer.
Find out more about the Special Constabulary.
