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Garioch special constables recognised for work in communities


By Kyle Ritchie

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The hard work and dedication of special constables have been praised by Garioch Community Policing Team Inspector Gareth Hannan.

Volunteer officers in the area have carried out more than 2000 hours of patrols so far this year with many of the special constables (SPC) logging more than 150 hours a month during lockdown.

SPCs are often paired alongside full-time constables but the experience and capabilities of the area's SPCs mean they are trusted to work alongside each other.

Special constables in the Garioch area have carried out more than 2000 hours of patrols so far this year.
Special constables in the Garioch area have carried out more than 2000 hours of patrols so far this year.

Insp Hannan said: "All community policing teams have their own special constables, all of whom do a great good.

"I would like, however, to take this chance to recognise the work of the Garioch special constables.

"Last year, SPC Mike Flaherty won the Police Scotland Special Constable of the Year, due to his commitment and work in wildlife crime.

"While it is more common for SPCs to be paired alongside a regular officer, such is the experience and capabilities of the Garioch SPCs, they are trusted to work alongside each other and are often tasked with investigating and dealing with certain community issues.

"Recently they assisted a local landowner who was having issues with anti-social behaviour on his land, carried out checks on licensed premises and carried out an operation to deal with youth annoyance.

"This past weekend, two SPCs worked together on a late shift and seized a car driven without insurance, stopped a driver found to be under the influence of drugs and apprehended a man who ran off from an incident.

"Residents of Garioch should take heart from the fact that they have members of their community who give up their time in order to keep them safe and I thank them for their exceptional commitment, dedication and capabilities."

Special constables are all volunteers, who receive a high level of training and carry the same powers as regular officers.

For further information on becoming a special constable visit www.scotland.police.uk/recruitment/special-constables or email Policerecruitmentaberdeen@scotland.pnn.police.uk


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