provide their time and expertise without financial reward.OFFICERS from Lancashire's Special Constabulary have been thanked for their support during the recent disorder.
With 76 police officers sent to London for a week to provide mutual aid during the disorder and 50 police officers sent to Manchester for two days, special constables put extra hours in across the county to ensure policing remained at an optimum level.
211 special constables worked 4,180 hours throughout the week (Monday 8 August to Sunday 14 August) - all without financial reward - in a bid to keep Lancashire safe.
They undertook a range of duties, including neighbourhood policing work, searching for missing people and tackling anti-social behaviour as well as providing high-visibility policing, reassurance and support to communities.
During this time they made 29 arrests and assisted with 81 arrests.
Assistant Chief Constable Peter White said: "During the recent disorder, members of our Special Constabulary have demonstrated their continued dedication to keeping the communities of Lancashire safe. The support they have provided during this time has been invaluable.
"We are proud of our Special Constabulary in Lancashire - day-in-day out they support regular officers and police staff to deliver high quality policing."
Lancashire Constabulary has a total of 443 special constables. They have full police powers and perform the same duties as regular officers. These can range from general patrol to the policing of football matches and road traffic incidents.
Chief Officer Nigel Walters who oversees Lancashire's Special Constabulary said: "Special constables have been out on the streets of Lancashire, working in our communities and at times on the front-line of policing. Their efforts demonstrate their commitment and dedication whilst giving their time freely to help others.
"I want to thank all Lancashire's special constables who have been and are continuing to perform duties. My thanks also go also to those employers who have shown understanding in freeing them to undertake duties.
"Becoming a special constable is a very rewarding role - it can put your skills to the test, develop existing talents and help discover new ones. It also gives people the chance to give something back to the community."
Specials wear the same uniform as police officers and are issued with the same equipment. Aged 18 and above, they work flexible hours with a minimum requirement of four hours per week and
Well done to those 211 Specials involved in providing the support to regular officers! Keep up the good work!
