Christchurch special constables scoop special prize at Dorset Police’s Citizens in Policing Awards

A CHRISTCHURCH team of special constables are celebrating after being awarded for their efforts in a national police operation targeting criminals on the railways.

The officers were involved in identifying and arresting offenders who were involved in lawbreaking such as shoplifting, theft and county lines drug dealing.

At the annual Dorset Police’s Citizens in Policing Awards, the Christchurch team scooped the Special Constabulary Team of the Year award which was at a ceremony at the RNLI college in Poole.

Chief Constable Scott Chilton paid tribute to the team and other special constables who were also given awards.

He said: “I am always in awe of the dedication and commitment shown by our fantastic group of special constables, police support volunteers and police cadets.

"I was delighted to attend these awards and recognise those teams and individuals who make a real difference to our communities."

He added: “Our volunteers perform vital roles to support the force and I am very proud to call them part of our policing family.

“They make Dorset a safe county for everyone, while supporting my priority to relentlessly pursue criminals."

The awards come as Dorset Police is currently recruiting for more special constables, who are voluntary but have similar powers to full-time officers.

Dorset police and crime commissioner David Sidwick said: “I have had the honour of being the police and crime commissioner for Dorset for just over a year now and this is the second time I have had the privilege of attending the Citizens in Policing Awards.

"The professionalism, dedication, commitment and often the bravery shown by our volunteers is incredible.

“As part of the Citizens in Policing programme the value volunteers add to policing, through improving community engagement, increasing available resources and skillsets, and allowing officers and staff to focus on frontline duties is essential.

“The work of our volunteers is truly incredible, and I really want to encourage people from all backgrounds to consider what they might be able to do to help assist their community and I hope that the work reflected at the Citizens in Policing Awards and in Volunteers’ Week helps to highlight the work or of volunteers and many ways to get involved.”

To find out more being a special constable visit recruitment-dcp-dp.org/dorset-police-volunteers