North Yorkshire Police is celebrating the commitment of the Special Constabulary as more recruits complete their probation.
Between April 2012 and March 2013, the specials gave over 40,000 hours of service. This compares to 26,948 in the previous 12 months.
The figure shows that on average each special gave over 23 hours of service every month. This is an increase of seven and half hours or 48% per officer.
This number of voluntary hours worked rose to an average of 30 hours per officer in November 2012, a month when severe flooding affected the county. As a result of the work the team carried out in York and Selby, they were nominated for BBC Radio York’s “Flood Heroes Awards” which took place in York, in March 2013.
Superintendent Richard Anderson, leads the Special Constabulary for North Yorkshire Police:
The hours and commitment given by Special Constables has proved to be an outstanding contribution to policing North Yorkshire and the City of York.
Their efforts were particularly appreciated during the spate of severe weather which hit the county late in 2012, resulting in widespread flooding across the county. The specials who volunteered put in long hours, even after they had already done a full day’s work.
The figures were released as the latest probationary special constables to complete their 24 month assessment period, received their certificates at a ceremony at North Yorkshire Police force headquarters at Newby Wiske.
Completing the training period means that the officers are able to undertake independent patrols.
The specials will be based at York and Selby.
Supt Anderson continued:
The officers who received their certificates at the ceremony are the latest of many who have already joined recently to boost the numbers. I am looking forward to seeing them out on patrol across the county.
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Speaking about the Special Constabulary, Julia Mulligan, North Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said:
Special Constables contribute an enormous amount across North Yorkshire and are key to keeping the county the safest in England.
The hours given by each Special, on top of their day job, are a great demonstration of the commitment that they have, alongside our regular officers, to keep our communities safe and put victims first.
I have pledged to double the number of specials working for North Yorkshire and we will be undertaking a recruitment campaign later this year. Officers regularly go above and beyond in the line of duty and specials sometimes even more so, given that they often work away from where they live. This was highlighted through the nomination for the Flood Hero Awards and I was fortunate to be able to hear first-hand how those specials manage to help in extremely challenging circumstances. I would like to give my thanks to all who give their time to help us reduce harm across the county.
Anyone who is interested in learning more about the Special Constabulary should visit www.northyorkshire.police.uk/specials
