Special Constables protecting our communities during COVID-19

Our Special Constables provide a valuable service to policing. Specials are voluntary part-time police officers from various backgrounds who work in some of the most important areas of modern policing.

The core role of the Special Constabulary is not to replace regular police officers but to accompany and strengthen the delivery of policing services. Visibility, community engagement and protecting people from harm is a fundamental part of a Special Constable’s role.

There is no area of policing which cannot be supported by the Special Constabulary. Through the provision of effective deployment, West Mercia Police develops and enriches the skills and experiences of our Special Constables.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our Special Constables have completed a total of 28,000 hours, including dealing with COVID-19 patrols, crime, operational duties and traffic.

Read on to find out how three of our Special Constables have been making a difference during the pandemic.

SC Tom Rowe is currently based at Malinsgate Police Station in Telford. Tom works in the aviation industry and has been utilising the Special Constabulary as a way to remain focused and help the community. He has been a Special Constable with West Mercia Police for four years.

Tom says: “Myself and the team in Telford have been focusing on providing daily COVID-19 patrols in the area. These consist of a mixture of foot patrol and relieving pressure on response, dealing with the increased number of ASB reports and COVID breaches.

“Being furloughed from my job has left me with a lot more spare time on my hands. I enjoy being a member of the Special Constabulary and the contribution we make to West Mercia. During these challenging times, I knew I had to do what I could to help with the fight against COVID-19, so naturally took the decision to volunteer for additional duties. Going out on patrol enables me to develop my skills whilst engaging with the public and providing reassurance to our local communities.”

Sp Ch Insp Steve Jones covers Shropshire and Telford, alongside his role as an Extrusion Development Manager. Steve has been in the Special Constabulary for six years.

Steve says: “We have been able to conduct our duties during the periods of highest demand and focus our attention fully on COVID-19 related jobs. This has reduced demand on regular officers and allowed them to focus their attention on other aspects of policing.

“During peak periods, G Division Specials have collectively been able to deal with up to 30 COVID-19 related incidents per shift. By working closely with the Bronze command team, we have been able identify problem areas and conduct targeted patrols preventing further breaches.

“As volunteers, the requirement is for us to conduct 16 hours a month. However, several officers have conducted well in excess of 100 hours, which is truly remarkable.

“The camaraderie between the officers has been fantastic. These are difficult, high pressure times, but everyone has been upbeat and willing to go the extra mile to help keep our communities safe.

“The reaction from the public has also been brilliant. Most people we have encountered while out on patrol have been really appreciative of what we are doing and have thanked us for our service.

“COVID-19 is a horrible pandemic, but one positive that has come out of it is the renewed appreciation for the emergency services from the public and I'm really pleased to be part of it.

“As a Special Chief Inspector, I have been blown away by the commitment of my team. I am extremely proud of my team and service they have provided to keep our community safe.”

Sp Insp Russ Foulcer is currently based at Shrewsbury Police Station and is currently in his fifth year of service, following footsteps of his mother who was a Special Constable with Kent Special Constabulary.

Russ is a semi-retired Army Reservist Commissioned Officer, and says that he has benefitted from the ability to continue to utilise experience and skills gained over more than 40 years of policing to provide support to regular colleagues and the local community. Originally a Strathclyde Police Cadet, then in the Royal Military Police, he has undertaken multiple courses to convert skills held in the military to West Mercia Police and College of Policing approved standards.

Russ has been trained as a Standard Response Driver, which has given him the ability to provide further support to the Local Policing Area, such as finding three separate vulnerable and at risk missing persons within 60 minutes.