The unpaid Cornwall police officers with full powers of arrest

Somewhere in Cornwall, a 70-year-old is flying police drones. They have not been paid a penny for it, and they are far from alone.

Across the two counties, 168 people pull on a uniform in their spare time as Special Constables, unpaid police volunteers who work alongside regular officers with the same powers and kit. Now Devon & Cornwall Police is saying thank you, as the role heads towards its 200th anniversary.

Who the Specials are

The Special Constabulary Act was passed 195 years ago. It created the role of the Special Constable and started a tradition of voluntary service that still plays a big part in policing today.

Specials have the same powers as regular officers, including the power of arrest. They fill a range of roles across the force and support officers of every rank.

Devon & Cornwall’s 168 Specials make it the third biggest Special Constabulary of any force, behind only the Metropolitan Police Service and Essex Police. The longest-serving among them has volunteered for 42 years and is based in Mid Devon. The eldest is that 70-year-old drone operator in Cornwall.

📷Special Chief Officer Ashley Frayling. Credit: Devon & Cornwall Police

Twenty years and counting

Special Chief Officer Dr Ashley Frayling, who works as a lecturer at Exeter University, reaches 20 years with the Special Constabulary this month.

“I am extremely proud of our amazing group of Specials who go above and beyond to tackle crime and help keep communities safe across our two busy counties,” she said.

“We have some fantastic people who show dedication and professionalism, managing to fit in volunteering alongside their regular jobs and family commitments. Specials must pledge 16 hours a month with the Force but many give more. On average our Specials give between 27 and 32 duty hours a month.

“It’s fantastic that Specials have been demonstrating their worth and giving their time for almost 200 years and I would like to pass on my thanks to them.”

📷Special Constable Sarah Wolf (left) and Special Chief Officer Ashley Frayling. Credit: Devon & Cornwall Police

A marketing job by day, 999 calls by night

Special Constable Sarah Wolf has volunteered with the force for two years and is based in Exeter. Her day job is in marketing and communications. When she clocks on for a police shift, she supports Response teams answering 999 calls.

“You never quite know what’s going to come over the radio next,” Sarah said. “One shift can involve reassuring a victim of crime, helping to find a missing person or supporting someone through one of the worst days of their life.

“That’s what makes being a Special Constable so rewarding. You’re trusted to step forward when people need help and to work alongside regular officers to keep communities safe.

“It can be challenging, but there’s a real sense of purpose that comes with knowing you’ve made a difference.”

Chief Constable James Vaughan added his own thanks. “The Special Constabulary is a very valued part of our police Force and we really appreciate their contribution,” he said. “They give up their own time to support officers and help others and I would like to add my heartfelt thanks to them for all they achieve and the efforts they make to keep the communities of Devon and Cornwall safe.”

📷Credit: Devon & Cornwall Police

Bosses who give staff time off to police

Thursday 15 October is also national Employer Supported Policing day. The scheme lets Special Constables and Police Support Volunteers take paid time off from their full-time employer to carry out their volunteer duties and training.

More than 100 companies in England and Wales take part. Devon & Cornwall Assistant Chief Constable Deb Smith is the UK’s policing lead for the initiative.

Could you be a Special?

You can apply to become a Special from the age of 17, and there is no upper age limit. The force says anyone thinking about becoming a Special Constable, or volunteering in another way, can find out more on its Special Constables recruitment page.

📷Credit: Devon & Cornwall Police