Hampshire Constabulary is thanking employers for allowing Special Constables to help with the force’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As forces up and down the country face unprecedented times, Special Constables have volunteered more than 4,000 hours of their time to help on the frontline protecting the public.
But this has only been possible because their employers have allowed them time off from their day jobs – something which Hampshire Constabulary say they do not take for granted.
The role of a Special Constable is a voluntary role, which carries full police powers. They provide a valuable service to the public, working alongside their regular police colleagues responding to ongoing incidents.
Specials are given extensive training from the Constabulary to prepare them for the role and are now playing a vital role in engaging, explaining and encouraging local communities to follow the Government’s guidance in place to protect the NHS and save lives.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent Government measures (23rd March-20th April) members of the Special Constabulary have completed more than 4,380 operational hours during 547 shifts.
Assistant Chief Constable, Scott Chilton, said:
“We are very grateful and would like to place on record our thanks, for the support of employers who are releasing members of their staff so they can fulfil their roles as Special Constables during these unprecedented times.
Article continues below this advertisement “As a constabulary we have developed detailed plans to ensure we can adapt and change our response as is necessary to meet the needs of our communities as this pandemic continues.
“So it is a great comfort to know that so many employers are willing to show their support by allowing our Special Constables to take to the frontline when we need to call upon them. Thank you.
“Special Constables play a vital role in our force throughout the year and we are very lucky to have such dedicated people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight ready to serve when they are needed most.
“Unprecedented times requires unprecedented action and we know there are a lot of people who are ready to help should we need it.
“There is a tremendous amount of community spirit out there and I would like to thank you all for doing what you can to help.”
Maybe they could start nicking some of these boy racers for speeding and generally being a pain in the a***
… like the youngsters who ride their noisy motorbikes, with bored out exhausts, round and round Freshwater, lockdown or no lockdown, -disturbing residents and terrifying my dog..
But it’s unlikely that they will be assigned to that duty, as there is virtually no policing here in the Wild West Wight, except for the occasional drive through..
-Walking through the area at various times the air is often laden with that particularly pungent aroma of the stuff being smoked, not only in houses, but openly on the street.
Don’t move here expecting it to be a peaceful spot to spend your remaining days, unless you have contacts in high places who could allocate police resources to this region
– it would take more than a few Special Constables though….