Special constabulary

At many events and shows, it is likely that police forces will rely on the services of members of the Special Constabulary to provide most (if not all) of the manpower to cover your event. Special Constabulary officers are part-time, unpaid volunteers, with full police powers and authority. Though they are volunteers, they nevertheless have considerable experience at policing events.

All Special Constabulary officers have full-time jobs and perform their voluntary duty in their spare time. I suggest you remember that and make sure that you look after them while they are on site.

Though I have cautioned elsewhere against the free distribution of complementary meals and drinks, unless funds are severely restricted I always try to arrange for meals and drinks to be supplied to police officers on duty at the event, particularly for Special Constables.