We’re always proud of our fantastic special constables, but over the
last few weeks they have made an incredible contribution to our Covid-19
response.
Hundreds of specials, all volunteers, have continued to give up their
time to support our regular officers across South Yorkshire.
In Rotherham alone, officers carried out 1,101 hours of duties in March,
including response shifts and proactive patrols alongside our
neighbourhood teams.
They have provided vital support for our engagement work, encouraging
communities and businesses to practice social distancing and advising
the public on how to adhere to government guidelines.
Not only that, they’ve continued to secure some fantastic results, with
two Barnsley officers seizing a significant amount of drugs and cash
from a vehicle whilst carrying out ‘social distancing patrols’ last
week.
T/Sp Sgt Jamie Jackson is running his business from home in the day,
then putting in extra hours with the force in the evenings: “Things are
definitely different, but lots of us want to give more than ever. We
want to be here, and we want to be part of it.
“We’re still attending incidents such as collisions, burglaries and
searching for missing people, but we’re also speaking to people about
Covid-19, ensuring people are staying safe and being responsible.”
Special Deputy Chief Officer Craig Batham said: “In the last few weeks
our officers have really stepped things up a gear. They’ve done long
shifts and some have worked full six-day rotas with our regular
colleagues due to being furloughed from their day jobs.
“This is a massive commitment and speaking personally, I can’t thank our
officers enough for what they have given so far, and what they will no
doubt continue to give over the coming months.”
Our special constables continue to attend serious incidents, supporting
vulnerable victims and their colleagues, whilst also balancing
commitments from their day jobs and family life.
They have also taken the time to develop community relationships at what
is a stressful time for so many people, with one special constable
simply lending a hand with a dog walk.
We couldn’t be prouder.
Assistant Chief Constable David Hartley said: “I cannot stress enough
how thankful I am to have such dedicated and passionate people within
our force at this time.
“The Special Constabulary are a vital asset as we continue to deal with
the challenges Covid-19 poses, and are a hugely significant support to
our regular officers.
“I think it’s important that the public are aware of the volunteers we
have amongst our ranks, not just at the moment, but throughout the year.
“At a time when people are acknowledging the work of our frontline
services, those who volunteer their experience, skills and time should
certainly get recognition.
“I would also like to acknowledge employers who support our Special
Constabulary, by being flexible and just as passionate as those who
volunteer.”
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