professional - University of Central Lancashire

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“The need for
the Special
Constabulary
in Lancashire
has never
been greater”
ACC Cooke
2011 A Year of Progress and Change
After an eventful and successful year, I present the 2011-2012 Annual Report of
Lancashire Special Constabulary. In 2010 a comprehensive review of Lancashire
Special Constabulary was authorised, to be overseen by Chief Inspector Andrea
Barrow. This was finalised and approved in October 2011, the policy and
recommendations have been authorised and distributed to all stakeholders. A new
leadership team was appointed in March 2011, directed by Chief Superintendent Chris
Bithell, which gave structure and focus. This underpinned the alignment of Specials to
support regular Officers, focused on Neighbourhood Policing. Chief Inspector Debbie
Howard and Inspector Wendy Bower (who oversaw the Review) gave support with
guidance on overall strategy. Implementation was managed by Jenny Cole, the Special
Constabulary Co-ordinator who liaised with divisional Specials Co-ordinators.
Training continues to be the major contributor to providing the relevant skills required by
all our Officers. I thank PC Dave Smith for his work in leading the Special’s trainers, and
the close working and formal training with supporting neighbouring counties in
developing their leaders too. Cheshire, Cumbria, GMP, Merseyside and further a field
with West Midlands, Northumbria, Durham, Gloucestershire and the Metropolitan
Special Constabularies having visited Hutton HQ for leadership courses.
This report documents the diverse work and professional approach that our 427
Specials contributed in 2011, building on the stability of 180 years of the Special
Constabulary in Lancashire. From 1 st April 2011 to the end March 2012 our Specials
worked more than 143,000hrs, the equivalent of £2.5m of policing.
The August ‘week of unrest’ was a busy time for the Special Constabulary, backfilling
for the regular Officers from Lancashire who supported both Greater Manchester and
the Metropolitan Police. 4,149 hrs. were worked in 524 individual duties during that
week alone, providing reassurance within the County. This typifies the Specials
commitment, professionalism and flexibility. The publicity about the work we do has
positively impacted on recruitment to the extent that we have doubled some of our
intakes in 2012. We will maintain a strong foundation with new probationers and, with
them working with experienced Specials, we can be assured that we will collectively
deliver and further build the trust of the public and our regular colleagues. Whether their
aspirations are to become regular Officers or career Specials, full support will always be
there.
DutySheet® is the system the Special Constabulary now uses to book and record
duties, and to audit and review performance in a consistent way. The benefits are clear
and it has enabled us to work with regular supervisors to plan and manage resources,
as well as report on past operations, events and duties. With 2012 having major events
such as the Diamond Jubilee and Olympics, we will work with the Senior Management
Team to ensure our Officers are deployed appropriately.
I am very proud that 19 Specials (including 3 who were also police staff) were
appointed as regular Officers in January 2012, in the first recruitment drive for more
than three years. This demonstrates the quality of our Officers and more will hopefully
follow them when new intakes are authorised. The awards that were bestowed during
2011 further confirm the quality and dedication of Officers recognised for their personal
contribution.
Looking forward, our focus will be on neighbourhood policing,
delivering support to regular Officers and to regular supervision,
and by further developing our leaders we will grow from strength
to strength. Our duty to Lancashire Special Constabulary
remains steadfast, our commitment even stronger, all backed by
our behaviours within Beyond Expectations. I wish to thank the
Officers of Lancashire Special Constabulary, regular Officers and
support staff who continue to make a significant contribution
within Lancashire.
Nigel Walters,
Chief Officer