National Special Constabulary Weekend 2015

Special Constables from the Rochdale Police Division patrolling with divisional dog handlers

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Special Constables from the Rochdale Police Division took part in the annual National Special Constabulary Weekend 2015. The weekend, which is used to raise the profile of police volunteers, saw local volunteer officers involved in a wide range of duties across the Rochdale borough.

Officers were involved in:

• Tackling anti-social behaviour issues within Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale East neighbourhoods, and engaging with young persons and inform them of events within the area that they could take part in.
• Patrolling with specialist Child Sexual Exploitation teams, in order to minimise the risk that vulnerable children may face.
• Working alongside the GMP Road Policing Unit across Rochdale, helping to enforce and educate road users with regards to a wide range of legislation.
• Community engagement as part of the Springhill Hospice Country Fete.
• Working with the Regional Air Support Unit and actually Rochdale from many feet up in the air.
• Patrolling with divisional dog handlers.

Special Inspector Dave Geeson, Divisional Lead for Special Constables at Rochdale, said: “We had a fantastic turn out from our officers based at both Rochdale and Middleton stations and we were involved with events across the whole borough of Rochdale. This really helped to spotlight the work that we, as volunteers, carry out on a weekly basis and has hopefully inspired members of the public who were thinking of joining the police as a Special to apply. Last year our forty Special Constables 14,500 duty hours.”

The special constabulary is a force of trained volunteers who work with and support their local police. 'Specials', as special constables are known, come from all walks of life - they are teachers, taxi drivers, accountants and secretaries, or any number of other careers - and they all volunteer a minimum of four hours a week to their local police force, forming a vital link between the regular (full-time) police and the local community. Once they have completed their in-depth training, they have the same powers as regular officers, wear the same uniform and carry the same equipment.

Special Inspector Geeson added: “If you are interested in finding out about this challenging, yet rewarding role, I urge you to have a look at the Greater Manchester Police recruitment page."