Special Constables awarded for service to South Cumbrian communities

A group of Special Constables who serve the communities of South Cumbria received awards last week for completing over 11,000 hours of duty between them.

South Cumbria’s police commander, Chief Superintendent Paul Kennedy, presented a dozen officers with certificates in recognition of their commitment to Cumbria Constabulary and their efforts to serving the local community.

Special Constables commit to providing at least 208 hours of voluntary service per year but, between April 2010 and March 2011, 12 specials who support the Barrow Borough, Kendal and Lakes & Ulverston Neighbourhood Policing Teams gave over 400 hours of their own time - completing a combined total of 11,000 hours of duty.

As well as using the time to completing the training they need to fulfil their roles, the officers designed and took part in local operations to tackle community priorities and conducted regular high visibility police patrols.

Special Chief Inspector Richard Steen presented two additional awards during the ceremony. Special Inspector Nick Oliver received the Greatest Achiever 2010 award in recognition of his commitment to the his newly appointed role and dedication to developing his colleagues. Nick completed an outstanding 1,964 hours of duty.

The second award was for the ‘Best Developed Officer in 2010’. This was presented to Special Constable Stuart Game after being recognised as being reliable, hard working and dedicated to improving his knowledge and increasing public reassurance in the Kendal area. Stuart completed an impressive 1,473 hours of service.

Inspector Nick Oliver said: “I feel honoured to be able to work with such a dedicated team of people who give 100% to everything they do – from providing a presence at local community events to routine police patrols.

“I have learned a lot this year from S/Ch Inspector Steen and the rest of the team. I was delighted to be presented with my award and was also very proud of Special Constable Game.

“I have only been a Special for a short time but I have learned some valuable lessons. I will continue to work with the team and help develop our already very strong bond. We are all dedicated to our roles within the communities of South Cumbria and I hope that we continue to have another excellent and enjoyable year.”

Chief Superintendent Paul Kennedy said: “The successful policing of South Cumbria is down to the close ties officers have with our communities and the Special Constabulary is key to maintaining this relationship.

“Across South Cumbria we benefit from the voluntary commitment of our Specials who work side by side with regular police officers. Between them, they have dedicated over 11,000 hours of their time which says a great deal about their commitment. The Special Constabulary is a real asset for the people of South Cumbria as we work to continue delivering the best possible local policing service. I, along with many colleagues in Cumbria Constabulary, sincerely thank our Specials for their dedication and assistance in keeping South Cumbria safe.”

You can follow the day to day activities of a Special Constable on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/CumbriaSpecials.

If you would like more information on becoming a Special Constable please visit our website http://www.cumbria.police.uk/ or contact the recruitment team on: 01768 217092 or 01768 217090.