Constabulary honours "tremendous" volunteers

LANCASHIRE Constabulary has paid tribute to its volunteers during an awards evening at the force's headquarters.

Multiple nominees competed for five awards with the winners being presented with a commemorative glass plaque and a cup which is passed on each year.

Two of these awards were for general volunteers - who do a mixture of administrative and support work - with the three other prizes for special constables.

Special constables are unpaid volunteer police officers who have the same powers as regular police officers and carry out local patrols, take part in crime reduction projects and help challenge anti-social behaviour in our communities

As part of the event, five special constables were also presented with golden tiepins to mark ten years volunteering for the police in Lancashire.

The winners of the awards were as follows;

• Volunteer of the Year - Celia McCartney who has volunteered nearly 700 hours doing various administrative roles for Lancashire Constabulary since 2006

• Volunteer Team of the Year - Southern Division Community Road-Watch for their work on road safety with the Neighbourhood Policing Teams and by using speed detection devices

• Special Constabulary Officer of the Year- Special Inspector Peter Allen, Southern Division for his excellent work during his temporary role as Special Chief Inspector for three policing divisions

• Special Constabulary Team of the Year - Preston Alcohol Harm Reduction Team, Central Division for tackling issues focusing on the use of alcohol, the purchase of alcohol, the vulnerability of young people and the awareness of parents

• Special Constabulary Student Officer of the Year - Special Constable George Berwick, Southern Division, for demonstrated enthusiasm and dedication from the start of his role and increasing public confidence and feelings of safety
Chief Superintendent Tim Jacques said: "It was a privilege to honour these tremendous volunteers who are all important members of the constabulary.

"Volunteering for the police is a worthwhile exercise and can provide valuable experience of working with communities and as part of a critical public service.

"The winners and nominees, and indeed all our volunteers and special constables, have given a lot back to their communities and this small tribute was the least we could offer in return for all their hard work."

Anyone interested in finding out more information about volunteering for Police in Lancashire visit http://www.lancashire.police.uk/recruitment/special-constable