Special Constables in Cleveland to be Equipped with Public Order Skills and Taser Training

Training is being carried out to equip Special Constables in Cleveland with public order skills and the use of Taser.

A number of Special Constables, who volunteer their time as warranted officers, have already been trained in public order and further training will be scheduled.

Public order training looks to equip officers with the knowledge and skills to deal with incidents where there may be spontaneous violence, and to deal with those situations where there is a risk of public disorder with the potential to cause disruption and harm.

Special Constables are often deployed in situations where these risks could be present; such as at football matches, demonstrations or other large-scale events.

Taser is used by officers who have had specialised training and it is an effective way of dealing with many dangerous situations, by incapacitating a potentially violent person who poses a danger to themselves or others. A decision to use a Taser is never taken lightly and other options are always considered.

Cleveland Police Superintendent Emily Harrison, lead for Citizens in Policing, said: “Special Constables are valued members of the Cleveland Police family and we need to build on their training and skills like we do with all officers, so that they are fully equipped to do the role they volunteer their time to.

“Any one of our officers can be deployed to a dangerous incident where these skills need to be drawn on, and they need to be provided with the knowledge and resources to deal with these situations in the best way possible, both to protect themselves and to protect our communities.”

Recruitment is currently open for people to join Cleveland Special Constabulary, including transferees from other forces. To find out more and to apply, please read more here: Special constabulary | Cleveland Police

*** Photo (L-R): Special Chief Inspector James Ruddock and Special Sergeant Graham Hansford ***