Northwich News
Special Constables praised in passing out ceremony
8:20am Thursday 9th February 2012
SPECIAL Constables have been praised as a ‘vital element’ in the ongoing fight against crime and disorder, by the chairman of Cheshire Police Authority.
A 26-strong group of men and women recently completed their initial training to become Special Constables and their achievements were recognised in a passing out ceremony this month.
Margaret Ollerenshaw, chairman of Cheshire Police Authority, said the newly-qualified volunteer officers would now work on a variety of policing tasks alongside regular police officers in Neighbourhood Policing Teams across the Cheshire Constabulary area.
Last month, a team of 25 volunteer constables began Saturday patrols around Northwich town centre and in 2011, they clocked up 5,118 hours patrolling the town.
Mrs Ollerenshaw said: “They are a familiar sight on the streets of our towns and villages, playing a key role in combating anti-social behaviour.
“This is especially true on Friday and Saturday nights.
“The volunteer officers patrol areas which are busy with people enjoying a night out and call at pubs and clubs to carry out licensing visits.
“The sight of them provides reassurance for people who just want to enjoy a night out and is a deterrent to those who are out to cause trouble.
“Sometimes they have to tackle people who are affected by drink or drugs and are causing problems for others.
“On those occasions they may face very aggressive behaviour - the work requires real skill and determination and the training they have been given sees them through.”
She added: “Specials come from all walks of life and they carry out their part-time policing duties without pay, from a sense of public duty.
“We all owe them a debt of gratitude.”
For further information about becoming a Special Constable, visit cheshire.police.uk.
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