Special Constables across north Wales celebrated for contributions to policing

The contributions and achievements of Special Constables across North Wales were celebrated at a recent ceremony.

Awards handed out during the evening included Special Constable of the year, certificate of recognition for volunteering over 200 operational hours and certificate of achievement for serving for over five years.

Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman, Deputy Chief Constable Richard Debicki and Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin attended the ceremony to present awards on the evening.

Deputy Chief Constable Richard Debicki said: “It was a pleasure to attend the awards ceremony to recognise the contribution and achievements of so many of our Special Constables over the last year.

“It is clear that a significant amount of good work undertaken in North Wales wouldn’t happen without the dedication and hard work of our Special Constables.

“Volunteers have always played a vital part in policing and Special Constables really are an integral part of North Wales Police.

“They are dedicated individuals who bring a unique set of skills and life experience.

“They volunteer their free time to serve their community and in doing so help us achieve our vision of making North Wales the safest place to live, work and visit in the UK.”

DCC Richard Debicki, CC Amanda Blakeman and PCC Andy Dunbobbin

Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin said: “I was delighted to help recognise so many Special Constables for their contribution to policing at the recent awards ceremony.

“I am grateful to them for everything they do to help keep their fellow citizens safe and to support officers.

“A key part of my Police and Crime Plan as Commissioner is delivering safer neighbourhoods, and I see the vital contribution that SCs make to policing throughout North Wales wherever I am across the region.

“It was also a pleasure to recognise both long-serving SCs, as well as those who had joined more recently, and also those who had given up so much of their spare time in the past year alone.

“Everyone brings their own special skills and experience to the role of Special Constable and this can only enrich the wider police service even further.”

Special Constable of the Year

Special Constable of the Year for 2022 was awarded to Special Sergeant Lou Roberts (pictured above), who has been in the role since September 2020, serving in the Flintshire area.

She was presented the award for her tireless work to help others, promoting the good work of the Special Constables and inspiring other SCs with her enthusiasm.

S/Sergeant Roberts said: “Working as a Special Constable over the last two and half years has been an experience like no other. I love being able to serve the community where I grew up and to support regular officers in their aim to keep people safe from harm.

“I’m so lucky to be surrounded by a great team of regular officers and Special Constables who I’d like to thank for all their help and support over the last few years.

“I would recommend anyone who is considering volunteering for the police to fill in an expression of interest form straight away.”

Runners up for the award were SC Sonya Jones, who serves in Amlwch, S/Sgt Chris Jones, who works in the central area, and S/Chief Inspector Ywain Williams who runs the central district.

44 Special Constables also received certificates of recognition for contributing over 200 operational hours in 2022

Some of the service hours included representing the Special Constabulary in the Commonwealth Games, working with the Roads Policing Unit and on Response.

Certificate of achievement for serving SCs who have given over 5 years’ service.

Seven Special Constables were awarded for their length of service in the Special Constabulary. They were recognised for their services of between five to nine years’ service.

Chief Officer Mark Owen, Special Constable Dan McNulty and Temporary Special Chief Inspector Melanie Evans were all recognised for serving over seven years in the Special Constabulary.