National Specials Weekend
Thursday 25th Apr 2024
Friday 05 Jun 2020
Thousands of Special Constables across Wales and England will take to the streets this weekend showcasing the variety of duties they undertake including roads policing, dedicated patrols and operations.
National Specials Weekend, which starts today Friday 5th June to Sunday 7th June, forms part of the wider ‘National Volunteers Week’ which runs from 1-7 June every year.
North Wales Police has 168 volunteer police officers – who all volunteer their time to support the force and their community.
When some of our Special Constables were furloughed or could not work during the COVID-19 pandemic, they offered their time and energy to assist in the response.
Deputy Chief Constable and NPCC lead on the Special Constabulary Richard Debicki said: "This weekend focuses on a well-deserved thank you, particularly during a challenging time for most people. We very much value the commitment of our Special Constabulary and the time they give to their communities.
“We highly value their dedication and would emphasise that they are an integral part of the policing family. Their additional support during this exceptional time has been especially welcomed and I would like to thank each of them for the commitment.
“Our Special Constables get some incredible experiences from the voluntary work they do and we would encourage anyone who feels inspired to join us to come forward."
Special Sergeant Shane Hughes – based in Llangollen
“I have now been a part of the Special Constabulary for three years and I have recently been promoted to Sergeant for my area. I have been furloughed due to COVID19 from my regular employment so I have put as much effort and hours in to the Special Constabulary as possible.
Unfortunately there has been a few occasions where I have had to fine people due to breaking the regulations and send them on their way. Members of the community have been very thankful and continue to thank us for all our hard work.
I enjoy serving the community and making it safe for everyone to work and Live, while protecting the NHS. I would like to say a big well done to all my colleagues for all the continued hard work through these unprecedented times.
Special Inspector James Donavan
On the back of Lockdown and the possibility that domestic abuse may increase, Special Inspector James Donovan has created a Chatbot App.
27-year-old James works as a Technical Account Manager for Microsoft and in his spare time he volunteers as a Special Inspector in West Conwy.
From his experience in both roles James was inspired to write the domestic abuse app, which provides advice, sign posting and can also detect if a person is in any danger.
“Taking into account my knowledge of policing, creating a Chabot app was a way of bridging the gap to help victims of domestic abuse. On the back of lockdown and the possibility of an increase in abuse and the fact that victims would be unable to get out to report such incidents,” said James.
The app is scheduled to go live next week and North Wales Police along with other forces and organisations across the country are currently looking at adopting it.
When James moved back from London to Prestatyn he was determined he was going to do some form of voluntary work. The flexibility of being a special constable fitted in with his lifestyle and for the past 2 years he has been volunteering his service.
“For me being a special is something completely different to my day job. As a home worker it’s great to be a part of a team and getting the chance to tackle real issues in the local area. It has also helped me grow and develop in my full time job giving me some useful skills to transfer across.”
When he is not working or volunteering, he loves spending time with family and two dogs and he admits to being an avid real ale fan who brews his own ale at home!
Special Constable Andy Fraser – Project Manager with ClwydAlyn Housing Association
As a child I recall my father being a special constable in the late 70’s in north Wales so the influence was there from a very young age and I have always held the police in such high regard with the upmost respect, as I grew up though my life took an alternative route via the construction industry so any other aspirations were very much on the back burner.
In more recent times I have played an active voluntary role in the community as Chairman and under 10’s coach for Colwyn Bay Juniors Football club this had given me first-hand experience of how rewarding volunteering can be.
Following this I applied for the specials wanting to play a part in keeping our communities safe and being that public focal point of Trust, Respect, Security
I feel extremely privileged to wear the police uniform and honoured to play my part in protecting North Wales.
ClwydAlyn’s support has been outstanding from the start for which I am truly grateful for as it’s a massive help for me to be able to undertake the role.
I am the first Special Constable they’ve had and when I first approached my line manager to advise them I intended to apply they gave their full support and encouraged me to proceed recognising the benefits for me as person and for them being their employee.
Following my attestation ClwydAlyn authorised 12 days leave per year (1 day per month) to carry out police duty.
As the Covid-19 pandemic hit home North Wales Police asked what hours can be given by specials from which I approached our exec team to ask the question and within the hour our Chief Executive Clare Budden replied with how important it was in the current situation to support the force in any way they can and authorised for release from normal duties throughout the Pandemic.
The amount of support I’ve had from everyone around me work, family and friends has been exceptional and despite being in these very difficult times I am satisfied I’ve been able to do my bit to protect our communities and I’m really looking forward to what the future holds for my Special NWP journey.
Special Inspector on Roads Policing James Morris
33-year-old James Morris is a Station Assistant for North Wales Police but is also based on the Special Constabulary’s Road Safety Unit.
“I’ve always respected the police force and wanted to give back to the community. So I thought I would give it a go and from day one I’ve loved it.
Eleven years later and I still love doing what I do in keeping the roads of North Wales safe. You can move up through the ranks which mirrors our regular colleagues and join specialist units. I’m able to go in whenever I have free time. I’ve always been made welcomed by regular officers and the specials team are excellent. I would encourage anyone with an interest to give it a go.
Special Sergeant Josh Keegan – Flintshire North
20-year-old Josh Keegan is a Special Sergeant based in Deeside and works for Tesco Mobile.
“I have always wanted to join from a very young age and thought I would join as a Special Cnstable whilst completing my Degree in Policing in Llandrillo College. I haven't looked back since and I absolutely love my role.
“As well as completing response duties and I've also done shifts with the Roads Policing Unit and in the Custody Suite in Llay. I've also done a full time placement on response which was eventful to say the least!
“My regular colleagues and Sergeant are really supportive as well as the other SCs and Senior Management Team. I really enjoy being an SC and it has given me loads of experience that I will never forget.
Tesco allows me to have five days paid off to perform operational duties and 10 days unpaid to attend training sessions. Tesco have been amazing with me whilst volunteering for North Wales Police and are fully supportive of my role.
Special Constable Adam Pritchard: Holyhead Police Station
20-year-old Adam works at the Liverpool Arms Hotel as a bar person but also volunteers his time with the Special Constabulary on Anglesey.
I have been a special since September 2019 and am currently based in Holyhead.
Since joining I have been involved in many tasks such as search warrants and arrest warrants and interviews. I have also the chance to deal with different incidents.
What I enjoy most from a shift is delivering the help and support to the public. It’s a good feeling knowing you’ve made a difference for somebody. Also the officers are very supportive and are always there to offer support and advice you never feel you are on your own.
I joined the Special Constabulary in order to gain experience. I had been a police cadet previously and have seen many Special Constables speaking about their role. I saw the special constabulary as a good way to develop new skills and have a insight into what policing is really like and I’d highly recommend joining.
We are currently recruiting Special Constables. Interested? Click here to find out more.
