Special Constables and volunteers, who have dedicated many hours to keeping communities safe across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, have been recognised at a special awards ceremony.
The Special Constabulary and Volunteer Policing Awards 2026 took place at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s training headquarters in Netley last Saturday, celebrating volunteers and cadets who have gone above and beyond to support local policing.
Among those honoured was the Northern Roads Policing Special Constabulary team, which was named Special Constabulary Team of the Year 2026.
The 3-person team, which includes Special Sergeant Paul Gladdish and Special Constable Craig Livingstone, collectively volunteered almost 3,000 operational hours over the past year and attended more than 500 incidents.
As advanced drivers, the officers provide specialist support for roads policing operations across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, helping frontline colleagues respond to incidents and protect the public.
Alongside their operational duties, the team has also played an important role in mentoring and training fellow volunteer officers, including delivering mental health awareness training to help colleagues support vulnerable people.
Special Constabulary Superintendent Russell Morrison has said:
“The knowledge, skills and support they have provided continue to have a lasting effect across the force, creating benefits that reach far beyond the hours they personally volunteer.
Article continues below this advertisement “Their commitment to protecting the public, supporting colleagues and investing in the development of others makes them worthy recipients of the Special Constabulary Team of the Year 2026 award and outstanding ambassadors for volunteer policing across the force.”
Special Sergeant Gary Schuster was also recognised, receiving the Special Superintendent Award for developing an intelligence-led policing initiative which is now planned for wider implementation across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Working alongside local Criminal Investigation Department (CID) teams, Gary created a model allowing Special Constables to become more involved in intelligence-led operations while gaining valuable frontline experience.
The initiative enables volunteer officers to take part in every stage of the intelligence cycle, helping them develop their skills and contribute more effectively to policing operations.
Superintendent Morrison has said:
“Special Constable Schuster has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation. He has created a model that not only supports operational policing but also provides invaluable development opportunities for Special Constables.
“The fact that the initiative is now being considered for wider implementation is testament to the impact of his work and the benefits it has delivered.”
Recognition was also given to Head Cadet Megan James, who received a special award for her dedication to supporting and mentoring younger members of the police cadet programme.
Megan regularly helps new recruits settle into the organisation, encouraging them to develop their confidence, learn new skills and take part in opportunities they might otherwise have avoided.
She also volunteers her time at cadet sessions and community events, supporting fellow cadets and helping ensure everyone feels included.
Alan Nolan-Davis, Cadet Leader, has said:
“Megan is an exceptional role model whose leadership, compassion and dedication have made a huge difference to our cadet unit. She consistently supports new recruits, encourages her fellow cadets and leads by example.
“Her commitment to helping others, both within the cadets and her local community, makes her thoroughly deserving of this recognition.”
The awards celebrated the contribution made by volunteer officers and young cadets in supporting policing and strengthening communities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
