WMP first force in country to pay its special constables
West Midlands Police (WMP) has become the first force in the country to pay its special constables as part of a scheme to reward volunteer officers for their services during the coronavirus pandemic.
West Midlands police and crime commissioner David Jamieson said: “Our specials do an amazing job, their dedication to the force and the public is truly outstanding and West Midlands Police (WMP) would have had some wide gaps in service if it were not for them.
“This will be the first time special constables have received a payment like this and it is so well deserved for the service they have given to our communities.
“This extraordinary payment is a way of saying thank you to our specials who have gone above and beyond, in some cases doing similar hours to our regular police officers during this global pandemic.
“This one-off payment is a way of sending our thanks to those who give up their own time, volunteering all year round to keep us safe.”
Payments of £150 will be made for every 16 hours of work the special constables have completed. There are currently 220 special constables serving with WMP, of whom 116 will be receiving payments.
Mike Rogers, chief officer of the WMP Special Constabulary, said: “The Special Constabulary have worked really hard to support the community we all serve during the Covid crisis and have achieved some amazing results in terms of community safety.
“Thanks are due to the PCC, Chief Constable David Thompson and Assistant Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine for their support. Without this inspirational leadership the Special Constabulary would not have been able to achieve these results.
“The payment gesture is really valued and appreciated by our volunteers. Yet again we are proud to be part of another WMP first.”
Ms Jardine said: “Our special constables have made an exceptional contribution in recent weeks and months, stepping up and contributing significantly to our Covid-19 policing response. This extraordinary step is a gesture that reflects our appreciation for all of their efforts.
“Many of our Special Constabulary colleagues have gone above and beyond in these exceptional circumstances and we owe them huge thanks.”
