Special Constabulary e-zine - Hertfordshire Constabulary

Special Constabulary e-zine
Issue 4
Welcome to the latest e-zine. As ever you will see that we continue to do amazing work across
the Force and it’s a testament to your hard work and efforts that we continue to be in demand
in the county.
I’m also delighted to welcome Graham Bunyan to my Senior Leadership team as the Acting
Special Chief Inspector for LPC2. SCI Bunyan joins us from Dacorum where he was previously
the Special Inspector. SCI Mike Allardyce continues his work as the SCI for LPC1 and I’ve asked
SCI Kit Day to take on the role of SCI Support. More on this can be found later in the e-zine.
Also, I take a look at our achievements in 2012 and outline our focus areas for 2013.
I remain committed to ensuring that we are well deployed, well trained, well focussed and well
respected within Hertfordshire Constabulary. Your hard work and dedication never fails to
impress and inspire me and I thank you for your continued efforts.
David Tewkesbury - Special Constabulary Chief Officer
Caught red handed
Two rural, Dacorum based Specials caught a driver red
handed when he was seen to fill his car with red diesel at
the A5 truck stop near Junction nine on the M1 in
February.
RSCs Richard Downs and Nigel Lacey were on patrol when
they saw the vehicle being filled with diesel from a red
diesel pump, which can only be used to fuel agricultural
vehicles and is not for private use on public roads.
A search of the offender’s vehicle by RSC Lacey revealed
eight plastic 20 litre fuel cans, all of which were filled with
red diesel, in the rear of the estate car. A check of the
offender’s till receipt showed that he had drawn 204 litres
of red diesel from the filling station and had paid £193.57 -
two thirds of the price of regular diesel.
The officers quickly collared the driver and made contact
with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). After
gaining authorisation from HMRC the pair seized the
vehicle and the driver was reported for the offence.
Richard later received a letter of appreciation from HMRC
and the offender was ordered to pay almost £550 in fines
for the release of his vehicle. Around 150 litres of red
diesel were also seized from his vehicle.
In addition to this, the HMRC also visited the service station
on the M1 to ensure they were complying with their
revenue obligations and responsibilities.
Richard said: “I have a good relationship with HMRC and
have worked closely with them on numerous occasions.
They are always grateful when we catch drivers who flout
this law and I always feel satisfied too!”
Special Constable Nigel Lacey
Special Constable Richard Downs
Volunteer for something
Special

Special Constabulary e-zine
Special Constables help tackle traffic related
offences in Stevenage
Twelve Special Constables teamed up with the Roads Policing Unit (RPU) in March in a crackdown on road
traffic related offences at Stevenage Leisure Park.
During the evening, the Special Constables, including two who are based within the Force’s RPU and a regular
police officer, pulled over a total of 65 cars for offences including: not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone
whilst driving, having defective lights and not having an MOT.
Dressed in plain clothes, one of the Specials was based on Six Hills Way outside the entrance to the Leisure
Park and had responsibility to feed information about any suspicious vehicles to the officers inside the complex.
Using an Automatic Number Plate Recognition camera (ANPR) the number plates of cars were also scanned as
they entered the park.
Motorists found to be committing road traffic offences were either given verbal warnings, fines and/or points on
their licences or were given the option of going on a Driver Improvement Scheme course.
Not only did the Specials taking part gain a great deal of experience during this operation, they also had the
chance to complete some tasks on their Police Action Checklist.
Special Inspector Graham Bunyan, who led the Specials during the operation, said: “This was a great exercise
for the Specials to take part in as we were able to address a significant number of motoring offences with
drivers. This work will contribute to making Stevenage’s roads safer.”
PC Chris Thompson, from the Roads Policing Unit, said: “It was fantastic we had the Special Constables
supporting us during this operation and I shall look forward to undertaking more operations such as this in the
future.”
Gearing Up For Summer Events in 2013
Many of you will recognise the scene in this photo
which shows a Knebworth music event in full swing.
Just down from the historic Knebworth House you will
see parked vehicles and temporary buildings - this is
the police command. Over the weekend of Friday,
August 2nd to Sunday, August 4th Knebworth Park will
be hosting the ‘Eastern Electrics Festival’ - the festival
is the pinnacle of the dance music calendar in 2013.
Policing the event will give us a significant challenge
and the key to its success will be the number of officers
working during the weekend. Details of specific duties
will soon be published on duty sheet and we would be
very grateful for some of your time over the weekend.
Special Chief Inspector Mike Allardyce has
responsibility for coordinating the Special Constabulary
support at the event. Mike commented: “This year we
have a very different event occurring at Knebworth. One
of the main policing challenges will be the fact that the
event runs from 2pm each day and through the night,
finishing at 6.30am.”
He added: “Our policing requirement for this event will
be right through, from first thing Friday morning to late
on Sunday evening and we will not necessarily need a
large number of Specials during the night. In reality
officers will be able to select the duties that suit them
and any hours that officers can contribute will be
gratefully received.”
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Please look out for details of the Eastern Electrics
Festival on Duty Sheet, along with other County
Response Events both within Herts and supporting
neighbouring Forces.

Special Constabulary e-zine
Changes at the top
There have been a few changes within the senior
leadership team. While SCI Mike Allordyce continues
his work looking after LPC1, as well as logistics,
events and the Road Policing Unit, A/SCI Graham
Bunyan is taking the reins for LPC2 and SCI Kit Day is
moving into the role of operational support.
SCI Mike Allardyce (LPC1, logistics, events and RPU)
Mike has been an officer for over 20 years. His
responsibilities include working with the Inspectors in
LPC1 and helping with the tasking of officers in
response to major policing events both inside and
outside of Hertfordshire. Mike also organises the
attestation evenings where new officers are warmly
welcomed to the Special Constabulary.
He said: “I thoroughly enjoy my role within the
Constabulary and a key part to this is the operational
duties I do: it’s why I became a Special and continue
to work today.”
A/SCI Graham Bunyan (LPC2)
Graham started his Specials career in Stevenage in
2006. Since then he has moved to Dacorum where he
was a Special Inspector from 2011. Now Graham
relishes the new challenges his latest role brings and
took control of LPC2 from April 2nd this year. He
currently works for Barclays Corporate after studying
at the University of Hertfordshire for a degree in
Computer Science.
Graham finds his role very rewarding and wants to
support others to achieve an equal level of
satisfaction. He said: “I’m looking forward to building
a positive relationship with all officers. I want to
support all members of my teams and meet with
them all over the coming months.”
SCI Kit Day (Operational Support)
Kit has 14 years of experience as a Special in
Hertfordshire and has worked in St Albans, Welwyn-
Hatfield and Dacorum. Outside of the Specials, Kit
works for the Open University and also volunteers
with Herts and Beds Advanced Motorcyclists. She
started as a Chief Inspector in 2011 and looked after
LPC2 as well as the Rural and Operation Scorpion
Specials and crime management.
From 1st April, this year, Kit takes the lead of
operational support. This role encompasses
everything around learning and development,
training, performance management and recruitment.
Kit said: “I have a real passion for the Special
Constabulary. I want to see everyone progress
through any training and provide them with the
opportunities, through specialist roles for example, in
order to allow them to increase their experience and
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enjoyment. We’re very fortunate to have great support
from our regular colleagues, many of whom want to
have Specials on their own teams.
“I want to make everyone feel valued and supported.
All feedback is vital and I want every officer to play
their role in improving our Special Constabulary. We
want to drive forward the Special Constabulary as we
strive to achieve more and celebrate every success.”
SCI Kit Day
SCI Mike Allordyce
Could you support
hate crime officers
Do you think you could support officers who help
victims of hate crime An opportunity has arisen for
Specials to work alongside the Force’s Hate Crime
Officers (HCOs).
A hate crime is any crime or incident motivated by
hostility or prejudice based upon a victim’s personal
circumstances, beliefs or identity. This covers
everything from disability, religion and faith to sexual
orientation, gender identity and race.
The work is diverse and can be very rewarding as
officers offer help, support and advice to victims of
such crimes throughout the judicial process if the
case goes to court.
Currently hate crimes are under-reported so the
HCOs raise awareness of hate crimes through
organised events. They also provide training to
partner agencies in dealing with hate crime.
The HCOs work 8am to 4pm and are looking for
Specials to assist them both when they’re working
and over weekends when they are off duty. This is an
opportunity to gain invaluable experience and see a
different side of policing.
Please contact SCI Kit Day for more details.

Special Constabulary e-zine
North Herts Specials prevent
closure of police cadet group
Between January 2012 and January 2013 the North Herts police cadet group was faced with potential closure
after the officers originally leading it had to step down.
A dedicated team of Specials from the area, led by Special Sergeant John Waterman, stepped up and took the
reins of the group until a new leader was found in January this year. Special Sergeants Jason Baxter and
Samantha Grint along with SCs Rebecca Cornell and Alex Wheeler assisted John in keeping the group running.
The officers involved the cadets in a number of activities including on the street exercises engaging the public as
well as working at community events such as the Olympic torch relay. Trips were also arranged to visit various
police units in the county and even units from other Forces.
All the cadets, aged between 13 and 18, were able to gain first-hand experience of the police and its activities as
well as developing vital skills necessary if they wish to pursue a police career. The membership of the group
actually increased during the time it was led by the North Herts Specials which was a direct result of their
commitment, enthusiasm and dedication.
At the start of this year the leadership of the cadets was passed to PC Declan O’Flanagan, an officer with the
Met Police, who volunteers with the Constabulary so he can run the group. Declan brings a wealth of experience
with him as, prior to being an officer, he was a cadet. He also has a vested interest in the group as his son is one
of the cadets.
Despite the new leadership, the Specials who led the group
in the interim period still remain committed to the cadets
and help run the fortnightly sessions in addition to their
duty hours.
North Herts Special Inspector Kebba Jobe said: “It is
thanks to my officers’ efforts and dedication that the group
is still running today and actually has additional cadets.
What makes this even more impressive is the fact they
managed all this whilst still committing to their regular
hours of duty. My officers have set the foundations for the
group to go from strength to strength.”
Met Sergeant Declan O’Flanagan and Specials John Waterman,
Jason Baxter and Becka Cornell
Rural Specials have another good night
Late March saw a good result for the Rural team.
Rural Special Constables Richard Downs, Rob Riches
and John O’Clee were carrying out a routine patrol in
the late hours when they came across three suspicious
men on Gaddesden Row, Hemel Hempstead.
On searching the men a log book and set of car keys
were found. These both related to a black VW Golf,
which earlier in the night had driven away from a traffic
officer who had requested the vehicle to stop.
Although the men explained they had sold the car
earlier that day, and the Rural Specials weren’t
convinced, they had no choice but to record their details
and send them on their way.
However, after searching another nearby road, the Golf
was discovered and so more officers were called to the
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area to locate the men who had been allowed to leave.
With this new evidence the vehicle was seized as it had
potentially been used for criminal purposes and all
three men were arrested on suspicion of burglary.
This resulted in a late finish for the officers but Richard
said: “Being late getting home was definitely worth it
because of the result we got. It was another very
satisfying job and a great effort by the Rural Team.”
S/Inspector Simon Wintle said: “I’m very proud of the
efforts of my officers and it shows how having Specials
out in the remote areas helps tackle criminality
effectively and robustly.”

Special Constabulary e-zine
Bishop’s Stortford and Rural
Specials work together
Eight Special Constables from Bishop’s Stortford and the Rural team assisted officers from the East Herts Safer
Neighbourhood Team (SNT) with an ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) operation in April.
The operation was carried out on the old A10 just outside of Buntingford. It was deliberately timed to coincide with
the closure of the A10, which was being resurfaced, in order that all drivers would have to be screened by the ANPR
van that was parked further down the road from where the officers set up.
Running between 9pm to midnight the operation led to
officers stopping many vehicles including lorries, vans
and 4X4s.
Three drivers were reported for offences including
driving without a valid MOT, insurance and driving
without tax. Five other drivers were issued with VDRS
(Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme) tickets. Another
driver also had a firearm temporarily seized until they
were able to get their partner to produce their license.
East Herts SNT Sergeant Duncan Wallace, who also took
part in the operation, said: “It was fantastic our Special
Constables took such an active lead on this operation as
it wouldn’t have been possible without them. Overall it
was a great success and we will be looking to hold
similar operations again in the future.”
Rural Special Sergeant Gemma Andrews, who organised
the event, said: “This was a great operation that
showcased how SNT Specials and Rural Specials can work effectively together and the results are a credit to all the
officers involved.”
A Special ANPR opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen for Specials
interested in joining a specialist team of officers. All
Special Constables are invited to apply for a position
in the ANPR Intercept Team, based at Hatfield Police
Station.
Using high performance marked and unmarked police
vehicles and the latest ANPR technology, the team
aims to proactively tackle criminality on Hertfordshire,
Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire’s roads. The team,
consisting of four sergeants and 38 constables, is
committed to an intelligence driven policing style.
This will be an excellent opportunity for any highly
motivated officer to gain experience and develop new
skills. Those interested in applying should be able to
demonstrate they are able to work in a team,
communicate to a high level and are both committed
and flexible.
Sergeants Adam Smith and Dominic Buck would like
to hear from anyone who can demonstrate such skills,
as well as show that they have a proven track record of
proactive and self-motivated police work. Although
having a utility driving permit would be an advantage it
is not essential.
If successful, officers must be willing to work
extended hours and complete a PDR. In return they
can expect to receive specialist training and be shown
a different, often fast-paced side of policing.
For further information or an informal chat please
contact Adam or Dominic on 01438 75 7677/7684. The
full application will be posted on General Orders on
the Intranet.
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Special Constabulary e-zine
Specials carry out licensing
spot checks
Six Bishop’s Stortford Specials led a crackdown on
premises breaching their licences in early February.
Operation Aperitif was initiated by SC Hannah Watson
after she was told about a potential issue surrounding
fake IDs being used at pubs and clubs in Bishop’s
Stortford.
After liaising with local SNT officers a plan was drawn
up to use Specials in plain clothes to covertly monitor
premises, staff and customers to see whether there
were any offences or licence breaches. The six officers
took turns to visit various night spots across the town
and gathered vital intelligence which has been passed
back to the SNT.
The operation also led to the arrest of one man and the
issuing of fixed penalty notice for disorder to another.
These were both as a result of the men using abusive
and threatening language, which was witnessed by two
Specials in plain clothes.
Alcohol was also confiscated from one underage
drinker, whilst the element of surprise, which being out
in plain clothes offers, worked perfectly for Hannah as
she witnessed a driver performing ‘doughnuts’ in a car
park. This resulted in
the driver receiving a
Section 59 warning
notice.
SNT Sergeant David
Cooke said: “The
Specials performed
excellent work and
as a result we have
sent out a clear
message that
breaches of licences
and other offences
will not be tolerated,
whilst also
reassuring the
members of public
who live in the town
centre.”
SC Hannah Watson
Festival success in Hitchin
The start of the Sikh New Year was brought in with style as celebrations took place in Hitchin during April with
an annual procession through the town.
Hundreds of people turned out to participate and watch the Vaisakhi procession, which included floats and live
music. Members of the Sikh community marched from the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara temple to Hitchin
town centre and then back again.
The procession lasted for around three hours and 10 Specials from Hitchin and Letchworth supported regular
officers ensuring it went off without any issues.
The officers assisted by temporarily closing roads to
ensure the safety of the procession, they also
provided a visible presence and actively engaged with
the community to provide reassurance and boost the
relationship between the public and police.
Despite the rain, the procession went without incident
and everyone seemed to enjoy the festival
atmosphere. All the Specials involved were praised
for their role in keeping the community safe.
SNT Sergeant Guy Westwood said: “The Special
Constabulary provided vital assistance and ensured
the Sikh New Year was brought in peacefully so the
whole community could enjoy the day.”
Specials with members of the Sikh community
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Special Sergeant calls last orders
Special Sergeant Richard
Jennings, who has been with the
Special Constabulary for 30 years,
is the co-ordinator of a team of
Specials which focus on licensing
issues in Watford. His team
continuously look at over 20
licensed clubs and pubs, as well as
licensed mini-cabs.
S/SGT Richard Jennings
One shop which was firmly on
Richard’s radar was Whippendale Food and Wine in
Watford and, after being caught out by Richard and his
team in December last year, its licence was
surrendered after a review was called.
The store had already lost its license in 2010 after
numerous breaches, including selling alcohol to minors
and drunks, where Richard’s team played a role in
gathering evidence. Despite strong opposition from the
Constabulary, a new licence was granted in November
last year. New conditions were imposed including a ban
on the sale of single cans of lager and super-strength
lager.
After receiving intelligence that the shop was in breach
of its licence S/Sgt Richard Jennings went undercover
and successfully managed to buy a single can of lager.
This proved that the shop had breached the new
conditions within a fortnight.
Over the next two months other officers were also
successful in buying single cans and bottles of alcohol
in the store on three separate occasions. In December a
15 year old, who was working for the Force, was sold a
small bottle of vodka.
This evidence, alongside CCTV footage showing staff in
the store selling super-strength lager, resulted in the
Force calling for a licence review. This was due to take
place in mid-March, but the license-holder instead
surrendered the license in light of the weight of
evidence against them.
Richard said: “My team and I played a vital role in
ensuring licenses are adhered to. The evidence we
gathered was crucial in bringing the shop’s licence to
review and we are all very satisfied with the end result.”
Richard’s work continued in March when he led
Operation Igloo in Watford, which targeted private hire
vehicles plying for trade. This operation saw a driver
reported to the local authority after a test purchase was
carried out. Richard is looking to hold similar drives in
the future.
Sergeant Marie White, of the licensing team, said: “I’m
very grateful for Richard and his team’s work around
license checks in Watford. Their on-going commitment
and dedication is second to none.”
Watford Special Inspector Peter Mould, said: “Richard
and his team have made a significant and valuable
contribution to the policing of Watford, and he has also
been instrumental in assisting several other CSPs in
setting up their own teams to do this work.”
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Special who clocked up
long service stumbles
across unknown history
On 28th April 2011 Acting Special Sergeant Tim
Pedder received his second Long Service Award in
the form of a medal, from the then Chief Constable
Frank Whiteley, for completing 19 years with the
Constabulary.
When Tim started rummaging through items at his
house, the story became even more intriguing as he
found a rather battered pocket watch.
Tim’s family had said the watch was presented to a
relative who was a police officer with the Met. This
was presented to Tim’s relative in the early 20th
Century as a way of commemorating long service with
the Force as the medals didn’t exist at this time.
On examining the watch closely, Tim found it was
engraved with the name ‘C. Tomalin’. Next to the
name was the date, which indicated when the award
was presented, ‘28th April 1911’. Amazingly, this
coincided with Tim’s own medal being awarded
exactly 100 years later.
Tim said: “I was stunned when I realised this was
exactly 100 years to the day before I received my own
award! It is quite spooky really but obviously policing
runs in the blood!”
Hemel Hempstead based Tim, has also recently had a
crime novel published which he wrote around a taxi
driver who is a Special Constable too and the hero of
the book. On the Rank is available now on Amazon
Kindle.
If you would like to share a success via this
e-zine, fill in the ‘Good News Template’ on
the Specials intranet or email Nicola
Lawrence in Corporate Communication on
nicola.lawrence@herts.pnn.police.uk