Federation funding for Staffordshire’s Specials

Staffordshire Police and the Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, Ben Adams, are supporting special constables by funding their membership with the Police Federation if they wish to join.

The new Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, which came into effect on 28 June, allowed special constables to become members of the Police Federation for the first time. As members, they are able to receive legal protection and representation.

Staffordshire Police has 163 special constables, who are required to undertake a minimum of 200 hours of operational duty every year, spread over a minimum of 16 hours per month.

The decision will be reviewed annually, as with all expense policies.

Chief Constable Chris Noble said: “We recognise the invaluable work that our colleagues in the Special Constabulary perform on a regular basis and I hope this demonstrates that the force recognises that commitment.

“It is important that they have the same protection and support of the Police Federation as their full-time colleagues when they need it.”

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, Ben Adams said: “Specials are a vital part of the Police family, giving up their own time to make a difference in their communities and helping to keep us all safe.

“As Commissioner, I thank our Specials for their service and commitment, and am pleased to support membership of the Police Federation for everyone who wishes to join.”