Force's volunteer officers hit 10,000 hours milestone

Officers who volunteer their time with Nottinghamshire Police have hit a major milestone whilst serving communities and patrolling neighbourhoods.

The force’s Special Constabulary, who are often known as specials, have volunteered a total of 11,339 hours so far in 2024.

Specials are part-time volunteers who work alongside police officers from across the force, with the added flexibility to fit their responsibilities around a full-time career and private life.

A Special Constable has the same powers, uniform and responsibilities as a police officer, but they work voluntarily as part of response, neighbourhoods, specialist units, and events.

There are currently 86 Special Constabulary officers serving Nottinghamshire Police, who in 2023 volunteered a total of 23,168 hours.

They will be joined by a further 14 officers, who are currently in training and will be out on patrol in September this year.

In total, they have made 42 arrests so far in 2024 and completed 1,943 individual duties – which can include completing training, attending events, and carrying out operational duties, such as patrolling the street.

They have also conducted 149 vehicle stops, with 58 leading to further enforcement action, all whilst volunteering to give back to their community.

The Special Constabulary are part of the force’s Prevention Hub, which is a collaboration between multiple force departments responsible for developing and delivering strategies to prevent crime and disorder throughout the city and county.

An additional career with the Special Constabulary often means that officers will work full-time careers and volunteer their spare time in the evenings and weekends for the force.

No two days are the same for the specials, just like police officers, they will deal with incidents that most will never encounter, and take part in frontline police work, whilst also serving and protecting their community.

Nottinghamshire Police is currently recruiting new Special Constables for those interested in an additional career.

Anyone is eligible, subject to requirements, with the force particularly keen to hear from women, members of the LGBT+ community, and those from diverse backgrounds.

Special Superintendent Grant White, head of Nottinghamshire Police’s Special Constabulary, said: “The hard work and commitment that our Special Constabulary demonstrate every day is invaluable.

“Specials support a wide range of policing roles and are often at the heart of keeping our communities and residents safe.

“They are all highly skilled individuals who give up their own time to give back to their communities.

“Their cumulative achievements so far this year are hugely impressive, and I wish to extend my thanks to all our volunteers whose dedication does not go unnoticed.

“I would encourage anyone considering an additional career with the Special Constabulary to please visit the Nottinghamshire Police website to find out more.”