Around 100 members of Suffolk’s Special Constabulary are taking
part in a training weekend at Wattisham Airfield on Saturday
10th and Sunday 11th May 2008.
The training is designed for new recruits to the Special
Constabulary, as well as providing a refresher for established
officers. Special Constables from other neighbouring forces have
also been invited to attend.
The officers will be assessed on how they cope in seven
different scenarios, including gathering evidence at a crime scene
and a stop/search for drugs.
Special Inspector Alex Gutteridge says, “These scenarios will
replicate real-life situations Specials may find themselves in
whilst on duty – regular police officers who do this work daily
will be role-playing and assessing the Specials’ skills. Such
exercises provide invaluable training, they enable the Officers to
experience first hand what regular officers deal with every day,
but in a safe, controlled learning environment.
“One new module this year is training officers to confiscate
alcohol from young people. These are new powers which regular
Police Officers have already started to use - all the Specials
attending the training will get to practice this with the help of
six local Army Cadets who have kindly volunteered their services
for the weekend.
“Police support staff, officers and other Special Constables are
also assisting with the training. We are very grateful to them for
giving up their time for free to help train their colleagues. We
also thank Wattisham Airfield for letting us use their
facilities.”
Suffolk Police would like to hear from anyone over 18 who is
interested in becoming a Special Constable. They have full police
powers and perform the same duties as regular officers. Specials
work flexible hours with a minimum requirement of 8 hours per month
plus 2.5 hours per month for training. They provide their time and
expertise without financial reward and are fully respected members
of the police force.
If you’re interested in finding out more, please visit the
Specials section of this website or call the Specials Hotline
on 01473 613640.