Specials out in force for fun weekend

More than 70 special constables will take part in activities to mark National Specials Weekend.
File pictureFile picture
File picture

The NSW – which starts today (Friday, 3 June), is organised to promote their work in local communities and will see specials deployed across the county.

They will be joined by Police and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold, who is set to accompany them on patrol today, meeting local communities.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Deputy Chief Constable Andy Frost will also take to the streets on Saturday.

Northamptonshire Police has the largest special constabulary per head of population in the country, with more than 700 Specials.

Last year alone, the specials carried out more than 138,716 hours of duty in the county.

Among a range of community events, during the national weekend specials can be found at:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Saturday, 11am to 2pm, an Asian Gold surgery at 84A Albert Road, Wellingborough.

Saturday, 11.30am to 5.30pm at the Rotary Family Fun Day, Bassetts Close Park, Wellingborough.

Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 5pm at Earls Barton Festival of Transport, Whites Nursery, Earls Barton.

Sunday, 8am to 6pm at the Classic Ford Show at Santa Pod, Wellingborough.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This weekend, Northamptonshire specials will be responding to emergency incidents, running a drink drive operation to reduce alcohol-related crime and carrying out local patrols.

Specials play a key role in local policing and have the same powers in law as regular police officers, including the power of arrest. The volunteers, who give up their time to help tackle crime in their area, are often seen supporting regular officers by going out on patrol and engaging with the community. However, the role of Specials can also extend into more complex areas of policing.

Police and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold, said: “Special Constables play a huge role in policing and are an integral part of the policing family volunteering their time to help make our communities safer.

“Northamptonshire is a national leader when it comes to specials and I look forward to being out with some of them this weekend to show my support.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Chief Officer Mike Maywood, of the county’s special constabulary, said: “The special constabulary is a force of trained volunteers who work with and support their local police. They have the same powers as regular officers, and are an invaluable policing asset in keeping communities safe.

“Specials come from all walks of life - they are teachers, doctors, taxi drivers, business men/women and secretaries, or any number of other careers - and they all volunteer a minimum of four hours a week to their local police force, forming a vital link between the regular police and the local community.

“National Special Weekend is an excellent opportunity for our dedicated Specials to showcase the excellent work they do across the county. Our skilled specials will be focusing on local concerns in the community.”

Those on Twitter can follow the action at #NPSpecials or @NorPolSpecials

Related topics: