Police say farewell to 19 Specials .. and 'ello, 'ello, 'ello to 19 new full-time officers for Northamptonshire

Chief Constable salutes "unsung heroes" as volunteers take the plunge to join regular ranks
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Northamptonshire Special Constabulary lost the services of 19 officers in a single day, taking a combined total of 93 years’ policing experience with them.

But that's GOOD NEWS!

The Specials' loss is a huge gain for Northamptonshire Police as all the volunteers are transferring to join the ranks of full-time officers.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Special Constabulary Chief Officer, Mike Maywood said: “I am always immensely proud of all of our Specials who collectively volunteer thousands of hours policing services to the people of Northamptonshire each year.

“However, to provide such high calibre of officers to the Force is a great testament and achievement to all of our volunteers who make up Northamptonshire Special Constabulary.

“Each and every one of those who have joined the Force will bring a unique journey and life experience to the regulars, with some having served as a Special for more than 19 years before taking the plunge to go full time.”

Chief Constable Nick Adderley recently labelled the county's Special Constabulary "unsung heroes" for their work during the Covid-19 crisis.

Northants Police's 19 newest recruits from the Special Constabulary ranks. Phto: Northamptonshire PoliceNorthants Police's 19 newest recruits from the Special Constabulary ranks. Phto: Northamptonshire Police
Northants Police's 19 newest recruits from the Special Constabulary ranks. Phto: Northamptonshire Police
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"When we talk about unsung heroes, how about this ... over one recent weekend 50 of our Special Constables gave their time for free to protect our communities. They completed over 175 tours of duty in support of our regular team.

"The Special Constabulary here at Northamptonshire Police continues to deliver exceptional service and support to the communities of Northants and the regular force. The value they add is remarkable and worth noting, they do all of this for free, no financial reward at all."

The 19 former Specials started their initial training at Wootton Hall HQ last month and will spend two years as student officers working across the two local policing areas.

Specials & Volunteers Team Sergeant, Sue Torrance has supported and mentored all of the officers through the application process alongside colleagues from the Force’s HR and Recruitment Team.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sgt Torrance said: “The bespoke intake of new recruits is the culmination of many months of hard work by the HR and Recruitment Team, which has involved assessment centres, reviews of service and the usual level of background checks and references.

“I am very proud of them all. I have watched grow and mature within the Special Constabulary, and they will all make mighty fine officers and colleagues. They are joining the Force at an exciting time and I wish them a long and fulfilling career.”