Cleveland Celebrates National Specials Weekend

Since 2003, National Specials Weekend has facilitated unified efforts between forces to raise the profile of Specials, attract new recruits and cut crime in areas of real public need.

Previously, the annual dedicated weekend has focused on anti-social behaviour. This year, however, the theme of the weekend was based around road policing which gave the Special Constables an opportunity to focus on legislation around speeding offences, mobile phone offences, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

Officers from every district took part in operations all weekend and double-crewed with traffic officers in road policing vehicles and with the ANPR teams. Overall, sixteen breath tests were carried out, four vehicles were recovered for having no insurance, a stolen vehicle from the Northumbria area was returned to its owner, thirteen people were searched for drugs and a number of penalty notices were given.

Assistant Chief Constable Sean White said: “The men and women of the Cleveland Police Special Constabulary make a valuable, unique and extraordinary contribution to the work of policing Cleveland and making communities safer.  As volunteers but with the full, sworn powers of police officers, they work tirelessly and relentlessly for Cleveland Police and their contribution is both recognised and highly valued.  The Special Constabulary weekend of action saw a particular focus upon improving road safety and denying criminals the use of the road.  It has been a very successful weekend with Special Constables working alongside regular police officers and other members of the Force and partner agencies in pursuit of this ambition.  Whilst this weekend has been a ‘weekend of action’, Special Constables are active as members of the Force 365 days a year and I would urge communities to both recognise and celebrate their contribution and achievement and ask themselves; could they become a Special Constable and give something back to their community?”

Specials Chief Officer Anne Shaw said: “Overall the weekend was very successful. The team work displayed was excellent and both the Special Constables and the traffic officers spoke of how much they enjoyed the experience.”

There are currently 192 Special Constables throughout the Force who volunteer their time to Cleveland Police for a variety of reasons. Since the Special Constabulary was set up in 1831, Specials have helped with Neighbourhood Policing and complemented regular police work.

For more information on becoming a Special Constable with Cleveland Police please email: specials.recruiting@cleveland.pnn.police.uk or telephone 01642 301784.