A leading Special Constable has retired after 13 years of dedicated service in Tamworth.
Special Inspector Steve Clarke has given up thousands of hours of his own time to volunteer as a member of the Staffordshire Police Special Constabulary and played a key role in supporting his community.
Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis instigated a new approach to the Special Constabulary in Staffordshire in 2014. It aims to improve the service even further including longer and more comprehensive training for existing and new Specials, better equipment and more chances to widen the policing activities they are involved with.
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Sue Arnold said: “Day in day out, Specials make a massive contribution to society and provide an important link between the police and local communities. Steve has shown amazing dedication and commitment during his 13 years of service and his contribution to Tamworth should be recognised. Special Constables voluntarily go beyond the call of duty to serve local people.”
Local Special Chief Inspector Les Martin said: “Steve could always be counted on to deliver the goods. It will be a shame to see Steve go, but he’s served his time and he’s done himself and the force proud.
“During his time as a Special, Steve has organised and led many duties and operations, from Remembrance Day parades to policing the UK Cops events. One of the biggest events he had to organise was done in conjunction with Sgt O’Donnell. Between them they organised the policing of the Tamworth portion of the 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. That duty saw one of the biggest turn outs of Tamworth Specials ever.
“Although he’ll now be able to spend more quality time with his lovely wife and daughter, Debbie and Charmaine, I’m sure there will be days when he’ll remember his time as a leading Special within the Staffordshire Police service and the Special Constabulary.”
Steve said: “I would like to say how proud it has made me serving not only the Police force but serving Staffordshire Police as a Special Constable.In my 13 years as a Special based at Tamworth I have worked with some of the most professional officers I have known either Specials or Regulars we are all part of the same team. Some of these officers have become great friends over the years and I hope this friendship continues. I would like to say thanks to all the team at Tamworth both Specials and Regulars it’s been a great learning curve and I will sadly miss you all.”
The Special Constabulary is a force of trained volunteers who work with and support their local police.
Special Constables are police officers, they have the same powers, and they work alongside regular police officers to tackle crime and support our communities. Special Constabulary colleagues undertake a myriad of activity and roles as they work alongside regular officers and staff to helping keep communities safe and reassured.
There are currently over 400 Specials in Staffordshire. For more details visit www.StaffsSpecials.org
