Special praise for volunteer police

Photo: Picture: DARREN ROBINSON

OUT in force . . . Oldham specials join officers out on patrol over the weekend.

THE special role police volunteers play in making our streets safe has been honoured.

Greater Manchester Police celebrated their invaluable contribution as part of National Specials Weekend.

This year’s event focused on the importance of the special constabulary in the Big Society and highlighted the invaluable role special officer’s play in helping to make communities safer.

Specials in the Oldham Division joined officers and PCSOs together with the local authority and youth services in patrolling Chadderton as part of a weekend anti-social behaviour initiative.

Heading up Operation Decker was Special Sergeant Elaine Flanagan who said: “I’ve been a special constable for 17 years and I’m sure my colleagues would agree that this gives you the opportunity to experience something different on a day-to-day basis.

“You can meet new people and learn new skills, while giving something back to the community where you live and work.”

Oldham currently has 42 volunteers who give up at least 16 hours a month to work as a special constable. They have the same powers and uniform as regular officers and work within neighbourhood policing teams to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

Chief Insp Rob Tinsley, of Oldham Police Division, said: “The volunteers work side by side with police officers and police community support officers.

“They play a valuable role in solving a number of issues while reassuring members of the public and responding to emergencies with as much commitment and enthusiasm for whatever situations they face.

“I strongly believe that special constables are a vital link between the community and neighbourhood policing and I hope that this weekend Oldham residents will see the good work they do to tackle issues such as anti-social behaviour.”

Special Sergeant Matt Saville, of Oldham Police Division, said: “At the end of the day our work is about being visible on the street, providing a reassuring presence, talking to the public and sorting out the residents’ concerns.”

For more information on how to be a special visit: gmp.police.uk