Special constable
Encyclopedia
A Special Constable (SC or SPC) is a law enforcement officer who is not a regular member of a police force. Some like the Royal Canadian Mounted Police carry the same law enforcement powers as regular members, but are employed in specific roles, such as explosive disposal technicians
, court security, campus security or executive protection
for diplomats
. Depending on the department some are members of a volunteer police auxiliary.
Many police departments are complemented by a Special Constabulary
, members of which are referred to as Special Constables or, more colloquially, "Specials". Special Constables hold full police powers and hold the office of Constable. Historically and in different contexts, Special Constables have been paid or volunteer members of an ad hoc reserve force or a permanent auxiliary, and have ranged from unarmed patrols to armed paramilitaries.
n state of New South Wales
, Special Constables may be appointed by a Magistrate
or two Justices of the Peace where "tumult, riot, or serious indictable offence has taken place, or may be reasonably apprehended" and the Magistrate or Justices believe that "the ordinary Constables or officers appointed for preserving the peace are not sufficient for the preservation of the peace, and for the protection of the inhabitants and the security of their property, or for the apprehension of offenders". Special Constables, as appointed under the Police (Special Provisions) Act 1901, have the same powers as Constables of the New South Wales Police Force. Similar provisions apply in other Australian states.
Inspectors of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
are generally appointed as Special Constables, and a requirement of employment as a Transit Officer
is eligibility to be appointed as a special constable.
Members of police bands are also appointed as Special Constables.
State police stationed near their state borders are sometimes assigned the status of Special Constable in the neighbouring state to allow hot pursuit
of offenders across state borders and lawful arrest on the other side.
Special Constables are also employed by various local government agencies in New South Wales including the RSPCA (Australia Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), local councils, NSW Railcorp and NSW Health to enforce such laws such as cruelty to animals, parking, enforce railway laws and prevent disorder in certain circumstances. The NSW Police Force employs Special Constables as an armed internal security force. This special internal unit provides protective services to government departments like the Premiers Office, ICAC, NSW Governor and DPP. They also protect covert police locations and have a mobile rapid deployment team (MIST – Major Incident Security Team) with advanced firearms and defensive tactics training, for special assignments.
to quell labour unrest. After the war, industrial relations became far less militant and many of the larger urban police forces created permanent auxiliary units.
The most notorious use of Special Constables in Canadian history was during the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919. The entire Winnipeg police force
was dismissed because its members refused to sign an anti-union pledge and was replaced by a much larger and better paid force of untrained Special Constables explicitly to end the strike and the police union.
Today, in Canada the term 'Special Constable' does not signify a police volunteer. Instead, they are sworn-in and employed by Police Services, law enforcement agencies or the provincial ministry responsible for law enforcement to undertake specific duties many of which require the powers of a police officer, such as University, Housing, and Transit Constables.
Special Constables in Ontario employed by Police Services, such as court security officers, prisoner transport officers, cell block officers and snowmobile trail patrol officers, are sworn-in pursuant to section 53 of the Police Services Act which confers peace officer status. Special Constables have the powers of a police officer to enforce Federal Statutes and various Provincial Statutes while in the execution of their specifically appointed duties throughout Ontario. Special Constables are also utilized at many Ontario universities to provide a hybrid police-security service to their respective communities.
Special Constables are generally not armed with firearms, the exception being police services and Niagara Parks Police
. At times, provinces may need to swear in a visiting police service to allow peace officer status. This is frequent with RCMP in Ontario as well as Sûreté du Québec
in Ontario. Cross jurisdictional issues can be alleviated with special constable appointments. The government may also appoint Special Constables, who only need the authority to serve summons and subpoenas, etc.
These are usually investigators from government agencies, for example the Competition Bureau and Canadian Food Inspection Agency
. Special Constable appointment is not a replacement for a police officer. The appointment confers limited authority and the jurisdictional police will still have overall law enforcement authority and responsibility regardless of the Special Constable. For example, on a university campus or a transit system, Special Constables may deal with crimes, however the local police will have the overall responsibility for the Criminal Code enforcement.
Volunteers with provincial and municipal police departments in Canada are called Reserve or Auxiliary Constable
s.
and the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force
are the only two police forces in Hong Kong during peacetime. However, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong
can, pursuant to HK Laws. Chap 245 Public Order Ordinance section 40, appoint Special Constables anytime and they will possess any powers given to regular police officers and are subjected to the same Code of Conduct as their regular counterparts.
However, under section 41(3) of the same ordinance, Special Constables are not entitled to benefits, pays or pensions.
is the volunteer reserve section of An Garda Síochána - the police force of the Republic of Ireland
. It was created in 2006 to supplement the work of members of the permanent Garda force, and assist in performing its functions.
conscripts in Singapore
have been used as Special Constables as part of the Singapore Police Force
in addition to their role in the Singapore Armed Forces
and Singapore Civil Defence Force
. These Special Constables undergo training at the Home Team Academy
where they study police protocol and the penal code.
After training, they are posted to various specialised police departments, where they may undergo further training. Civilians who contribute to the force on a voluntary basis belong to an organisation known as the Volunteer Special Constabulary
, which is a department of the regular police force.
There have been examples in history of paid Special Constables who were not volunteer police officers. The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority Constabulary were sworn in as special constables under the Special Constables Act 1923. However, the passage of the Energy Act 2004
created a new police force – the Civil Nuclear Constabulary
– with specifically defined powers and the officers lost their status as Special Constables. The Yeomen Warders
of the Tower of London
were first sworn in as Special Constables in the 1960s, but this stopped in 1991.
There are still a few paid Special Constables – Port Police are sworn in under Section 79 of the Harbours, Docks, and Piers Clauses Act 1847
and the Epping Forest Keepers
are also sworn in as Special Constables for both the Metropolitan and Essex police districts under the Epping Forest Act 1878.
traces its roots to the 1831 “Act for amending the laws relative to the appointment of special constables, and for the better preservation of the Police,” which was passed as a response to industrial violence.
The role of Special Constables was redefined into its present incarnation during the First World War
when a large force was recruited to both compensate for the loss of regular members who joined the war effort and to add an extra layer of protection during wartime. Special Constables were also an important component of the state’s response to the British police strikes in 1918 and 1919 and the UK General Strike of 1926
.
Special Constables have all the legal powers of their regular counterparts when on and off duty and, as of 1 April 2007, can use their powers throughout England and Wales. Prior to this date, Special Constables' powers were restricted to within their force areas and neighbouring forces only.
Special Constables are awarded the Queen's Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct on the completion of nine years' service with a minimum of fifty tours of duty each year. A bar is added to the medal for each subsequent ten years of service.
Special Constables are generally unpaid, but may receive reimbursement for mileage and other expenses incurred. However, some forces have implemented a bounty or allowance in order to attract and retain Special Constables.
Special Constables may already be employees of a police force as civilian support staff. This is generally encouraged as it brings a mutual benefit to both roles. In some forces, civilian staff that are also Specials are entitled to Special Leave, which allows for a day off per month to undertake a special duty.
, the Royal Ulster Constabulary
GC (RUC) employed both full-time and part-time Reserve Constables, the difference being that in addition to carrying out the same duties as the regular force, a number of full-time Reserve officers were deployed to carry out static security duty at the homes of VIPs and at vulnerable buildings and police stations. Part-time Reserve Constables carried out similar duties to their Special Constabulary counterparts elsewhere in the UK; however, like the full-time Reserve, many part-timers also carried out a more security-based role.
With the assimilation of the RUC into the Police Service of Northern Ireland
(PSNI), 171 part-time Constables were appointed in Banbridge
, Newtownabbey
, Coleraine
and Lisburn
District Command Units (DCUs). Existing part-time Reserve Constables were offered training to meet new standards of the PSNI.
Unlike their counterparts in Great Britain, part-time Constables, like their predecessors in the RUC and PSNI Reserve, are paid.
The Ulster Special Constabulary (see Ireland below) continued to exist until 1970, when its members were assimilated into the RUC as Auxiliary Constables or the Ulster Defence Regiment
.
The Ministry of Defence
employs Civilian Security Officers for its Northern Ireland Guard Service; these have Special Constable Status. The NIGS is an unionised, non-industrial civilian Armed Guard Service under the authority of the General Officer Commanding (Northern Ireland), who holds ultimate responsibility for the operation of the organisation.
A Civilian Security Officer (CSO) is attested by a resident magistrate as a Special Constable whilst on duty within MoD property. They hold similar powers to that of a Police Constable based on the Emergency Laws (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1947. A CSO has the powers of arrest under the Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 (PACE).
. As such, they have identical powers to regular members of a police force, both on and off duty, and are non-contributing members of the Scottish Police Federation
, which is the staff association established by statute for police officers in Scotland from the rank of Constable up to, and including, that of chief inspector, because police officers are forbidden by law to be members of a trade union
. Discipline and Efficiency regulations differ from members of the regular Force, and amendments to these are currently under review by the Scottish Government.
Special Constables receive some travel expenses and allowances from the police service, plus a £1500 "recognition award" for all officers completing the required 180 hours of service every year. There is a half year award scheme which offers £500 at the end of the financial year if you reach 90 hours; this is mainly to the benefit of Special Constables sworn in half way through the financial year and Special Constables who were sworn in after the start of the 180 hour recognition award scheme cannot opt for the 180 hour scheme. Their work is otherwise voluntary and unpaid.
Most Scottish Special Constables work alongside regular Constables, and their uniform is identical other than a distinct letter/number series on the officer's shoulder number. Administration and management of Special Constables is generally carried out by regular supervisors. Special Constables do not have a separate administrative/rank/grade structure.
Special Constables in Scotland can and are deployed to a wide range of police duties over and above standard "beat duties". These include Roads Policing, Public Order, Specialist Response, Wildlife Crime and Community Support. Their primary focus, however, remains to provide a highly visible police presence, and a link with local communities across Scotland.
began recruiting special constables in the 1920s, largely as a reaction to the Irish Republican Army
(IRA). In the south and west of Ireland
were the Black and Tans
and the Auxiliary Division
. The Ulster Special Constabulary
(USC) operated in the northeast and were the main bulwark against IRA activity.
The USC was divided into three armed sections: A Specials (full-time and paid); B Specials (part-time and paid an allowance); and C Specials (unpaid and non-uniformed reservists).
Bomb disposal
Bomb disposal is the process by which hazardous explosive devices are rendered safe. Bomb disposal is an all encompassing term to describe the separate, but interrelated functions in the following fields:*Military:...
, court security, campus security or executive protection
Executive Protection
Executive Protection also known as Close Personal Protection or bodyguarding refers to security measures taken to ensure the safety of VIPs or other individuals who may be exposed to elevated personal risk because of their employment, celebrity status, wealth, associations or geographical...
for diplomats
Diplomacy
Diplomacy is the art and practice of conducting negotiations between representatives of groups or states...
. Depending on the department some are members of a volunteer police auxiliary.
Many police departments are complemented by a Special Constabulary
Special Constabulary
The Special Constabulary is the part-time volunteer section of a statutory police force in the United Kingdom or some Crown dependencies. Its officers are known as Special Constables or informally as Specials.Every United Kingdom territorial police force has a special constabulary except the...
, members of which are referred to as Special Constables or, more colloquially, "Specials". Special Constables hold full police powers and hold the office of Constable. Historically and in different contexts, Special Constables have been paid or volunteer members of an ad hoc reserve force or a permanent auxiliary, and have ranged from unarmed patrols to armed paramilitaries.
Australia
In the AustraliaAustralia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
n state of New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
, Special Constables may be appointed by a Magistrate
Magistrate
A magistrate is an officer of the state; in modern usage the term usually refers to a judge or prosecutor. This was not always the case; in ancient Rome, a magistratus was one of the highest government officers and possessed both judicial and executive powers. Today, in common law systems, a...
or two Justices of the Peace where "tumult, riot, or serious indictable offence has taken place, or may be reasonably apprehended" and the Magistrate or Justices believe that "the ordinary Constables or officers appointed for preserving the peace are not sufficient for the preservation of the peace, and for the protection of the inhabitants and the security of their property, or for the apprehension of offenders". Special Constables, as appointed under the Police (Special Provisions) Act 1901, have the same powers as Constables of the New South Wales Police Force. Similar provisions apply in other Australian states.
Inspectors of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
RSPCA Australia
RSPCA Australia is an Australian organisation that promotes animal welfare. It is funded in part by the Australian Government but relies on corporate sponsorship, fundraising events and voluntary donations for its income.RSPCA Australia defines its purpose as being the leading authority in animal...
are generally appointed as Special Constables, and a requirement of employment as a Transit Officer
RailCorp Transit Officer
A Transit Officer is the primary security and law enforcement officer for RailCorp train services in New South Wales, Australia. Transit Officers conduct uniformed and plain-clothes patrols on CityRail and CountryLink train services and are assigned to ensure the safety and security of passengers,...
is eligibility to be appointed as a special constable.
Members of police bands are also appointed as Special Constables.
State police stationed near their state borders are sometimes assigned the status of Special Constable in the neighbouring state to allow hot pursuit
Immediate pursuit
Immediate pursuit is a common law principle describing rules of engagement to enter into combat with or apprehend and forcibly detain another, invade one's privacy, etc. Immediate pursuit enables, for example, a citizen to arrest a person committing some offence, without incurring legal liability...
of offenders across state borders and lawful arrest on the other side.
Special Constables are also employed by various local government agencies in New South Wales including the RSPCA (Australia Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), local councils, NSW Railcorp and NSW Health to enforce such laws such as cruelty to animals, parking, enforce railway laws and prevent disorder in certain circumstances. The NSW Police Force employs Special Constables as an armed internal security force. This special internal unit provides protective services to government departments like the Premiers Office, ICAC, NSW Governor and DPP. They also protect covert police locations and have a mobile rapid deployment team (MIST – Major Incident Security Team) with advanced firearms and defensive tactics training, for special assignments.
Canada
Special Constables were used extensively in Canada prior to the Second World WarWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
to quell labour unrest. After the war, industrial relations became far less militant and many of the larger urban police forces created permanent auxiliary units.
The most notorious use of Special Constables in Canadian history was during the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919. The entire Winnipeg police force
Winnipeg Police Service
The Winnipeg Police Service is the police force of the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.-History:When Winnipeg became a city in 1873, an election was held to select the city's new Mayor and Aldermen. Those appointed decided to hire city officials, including a Chief Constable. On February 23,...
was dismissed because its members refused to sign an anti-union pledge and was replaced by a much larger and better paid force of untrained Special Constables explicitly to end the strike and the police union.
Today, in Canada the term 'Special Constable' does not signify a police volunteer. Instead, they are sworn-in and employed by Police Services, law enforcement agencies or the provincial ministry responsible for law enforcement to undertake specific duties many of which require the powers of a police officer, such as University, Housing, and Transit Constables.
Special Constables in Ontario employed by Police Services, such as court security officers, prisoner transport officers, cell block officers and snowmobile trail patrol officers, are sworn-in pursuant to section 53 of the Police Services Act which confers peace officer status. Special Constables have the powers of a police officer to enforce Federal Statutes and various Provincial Statutes while in the execution of their specifically appointed duties throughout Ontario. Special Constables are also utilized at many Ontario universities to provide a hybrid police-security service to their respective communities.
Special Constables are generally not armed with firearms, the exception being police services and Niagara Parks Police
Niagara Parks Police
The Niagara Parks Police Service provide policing services for the Niagara Parks Commission in Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada...
. At times, provinces may need to swear in a visiting police service to allow peace officer status. This is frequent with RCMP in Ontario as well as Sûreté du Québec
Sûreté du Québec
Sûreté du Québec or SQ is the provincial police force for the Canadian province of Québec...
in Ontario. Cross jurisdictional issues can be alleviated with special constable appointments. The government may also appoint Special Constables, who only need the authority to serve summons and subpoenas, etc.
These are usually investigators from government agencies, for example the Competition Bureau and Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is a science based regulatory agency that is dedicated to the safeguarding of food, animals, and plants, which enhance the health and well-being of Canada's people, environment and economy...
. Special Constable appointment is not a replacement for a police officer. The appointment confers limited authority and the jurisdictional police will still have overall law enforcement authority and responsibility regardless of the Special Constable. For example, on a university campus or a transit system, Special Constables may deal with crimes, however the local police will have the overall responsibility for the Criminal Code enforcement.
Volunteers with provincial and municipal police departments in Canada are called Reserve or Auxiliary Constable
Auxiliary Constable
Auxiliary Constables or Reserve Constables are unpaid citizens who volunteer their time and skills to a police force. They are uniformed, unarmed members who performs a similar role to their UK counterpart in the Special Constabulary...
s.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong Police ForceHong Kong Police Force
The Hong Kong Police Force is the largest disciplined service under the Security Bureau of Hong Kong. It is the world's second, and Asia's first, police agency to operate with a modern policing system. It was formed on 1 May 1844, with a strength of 32 officers...
and the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force
Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force
The Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force is established in 1914 as the Police Reserve unit, provides additional manpower to the Hong Kong Police Force, especially during emergencies and other incidents...
are the only two police forces in Hong Kong during peacetime. However, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong
Chief Executive of Hong Kong
The Chief Executive of Hong Kong is the President of the Executive Council of Hong Kong and head of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The position was created to replace the Governor of Hong Kong, who was the head of the Hong Kong government during British rule...
can, pursuant to HK Laws. Chap 245 Public Order Ordinance section 40, appoint Special Constables anytime and they will possess any powers given to regular police officers and are subjected to the same Code of Conduct as their regular counterparts.
However, under section 41(3) of the same ordinance, Special Constables are not entitled to benefits, pays or pensions.
Ireland
The Garda Síochána ReserveGarda Síochána Reserve
The Garda Síochána Reserve is the volunteer reserve section of the Garda Siochana - the police force of Ireland. It was created in 2006 and the first 36 Reserves graduated on 15 December 2006 at the Garda College, in Templemore.- Establishment :...
is the volunteer reserve section of An Garda Síochána - the police force of the Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
. It was created in 2006 to supplement the work of members of the permanent Garda force, and assist in performing its functions.
Singapore
Since 1975, National serviceNational service
National service is a common name for mandatory government service programmes . The term became common British usage during and for some years following the Second World War. Many young people spent one or more years in such programmes...
conscripts in Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
have been used as Special Constables as part of the Singapore Police Force
Singapore Police Force
The Singapore Police Force is the main agency tasked with maintaining law and order in the city-state. Formerly known as the Republic of Singapore Police , it has grown from an 11-man organisation to a 38,587 strong force...
in addition to their role in the Singapore Armed Forces
Singapore Armed Forces
The Singapore Armed Forces is the military arm of the Total Defence of the Republic of Singapore; as well as the military component of the Ministry of Defence. The SAF comprises three branches: the Singapore Army, the Republic of Singapore Air Force and the Republic of Singapore Navy...
and Singapore Civil Defence Force
Singapore Civil Defence Force
The Singapore Civil Defence Force is the main agency in charge of the provision of emergency services in Singapore during peacetime and emergency.A uniformed organisation under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the main role of SCDF is to provide...
. These Special Constables undergo training at the Home Team Academy
Home Team Academy
The Home Team Academy is the training institute for various organisations of the Ministry of Home Affairs in Singapore, including the Singapore Police Force, the Singapore Civil Defence Force, the Central Narcotics Bureau, the Singapore Prison Service, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority,...
where they study police protocol and the penal code.
After training, they are posted to various specialised police departments, where they may undergo further training. Civilians who contribute to the force on a voluntary basis belong to an organisation known as the Volunteer Special Constabulary
Volunteer Special Constabulary
The Volunteer Special Constabulary is an important component of the Singapore Police Force, contributing more than fifty years of volunteer service to the nation...
, which is a department of the regular police force.
United Kingdom
The term 'Special Constable' used to refer to any Constable not sworn in to a territorial police force as a regular constable.There have been examples in history of paid Special Constables who were not volunteer police officers. The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority Constabulary were sworn in as special constables under the Special Constables Act 1923. However, the passage of the Energy Act 2004
Energy Act 2004
The Energy Act 2004 is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom.-Section 198 - Short title, commencement and extent:The following orders have been made under this section:* *...
created a new police force – the Civil Nuclear Constabulary
Civil Nuclear Constabulary
The Civil Nuclear Constabulary is a special police force responsible for providing law enforcement and security at civil nuclear installations, and for nuclear materials in transit, throughout the United Kingdom....
– with specifically defined powers and the officers lost their status as Special Constables. The Yeomen Warders
Yeomen Warders
The Yeomen Warders of Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London, and Members of the Sovereign's Body Guard of the Yeoman of the Guard Extraordinary, popularly known as the Beefeaters, are ceremonial guardians of the Tower of London...
of the Tower of London
Tower of London
Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, more commonly known as the Tower of London, is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, England. It lies within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, separated from the eastern edge of the City of London by the open space...
were first sworn in as Special Constables in the 1960s, but this stopped in 1991.
There are still a few paid Special Constables – Port Police are sworn in under Section 79 of the Harbours, Docks, and Piers Clauses Act 1847
Harbours, Docks, and Piers Clauses Act 1847
The Harbours, Docks and Piers Clauses Act 1847 is an Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom which governs harbors, docks, and piers.-Port police:...
and the Epping Forest Keepers
Epping Forest Keepers
The Epping Forest Keepers are an ancient and historical body of people who are employed by the City of London, who in return are responsible, as the Conservators, for the management and care of Epping Forest, which covers approximately ten square miles of forest, bridleway, woodland and...
are also sworn in as Special Constables for both the Metropolitan and Essex police districts under the Epping Forest Act 1878.
England and Wales
English Special Constables have manifested as various legal entities since 1673, but the modern-day Special ConstabularySpecial Constabulary
The Special Constabulary is the part-time volunteer section of a statutory police force in the United Kingdom or some Crown dependencies. Its officers are known as Special Constables or informally as Specials.Every United Kingdom territorial police force has a special constabulary except the...
traces its roots to the 1831 “Act for amending the laws relative to the appointment of special constables, and for the better preservation of the Police,” which was passed as a response to industrial violence.
The role of Special Constables was redefined into its present incarnation during the First World War
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
when a large force was recruited to both compensate for the loss of regular members who joined the war effort and to add an extra layer of protection during wartime. Special Constables were also an important component of the state’s response to the British police strikes in 1918 and 1919 and the UK General Strike of 1926
UK General Strike of 1926
The 1926 general strike in the United Kingdom was a general strike that lasted nine days, from 4 May 1926 to 13 May 1926. It was called by the general council of the Trades Union Congress in an unsuccessful attempt to force the British government to act to prevent wage reduction and worsening...
.
Special Constables have all the legal powers of their regular counterparts when on and off duty and, as of 1 April 2007, can use their powers throughout England and Wales. Prior to this date, Special Constables' powers were restricted to within their force areas and neighbouring forces only.
Special Constables are awarded the Queen's Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct on the completion of nine years' service with a minimum of fifty tours of duty each year. A bar is added to the medal for each subsequent ten years of service.
Special Constables are generally unpaid, but may receive reimbursement for mileage and other expenses incurred. However, some forces have implemented a bounty or allowance in order to attract and retain Special Constables.
Special Constables may already be employees of a police force as civilian support staff. This is generally encouraged as it brings a mutual benefit to both roles. In some forces, civilian staff that are also Specials are entitled to Special Leave, which allows for a day off per month to undertake a special duty.
Northern Ireland
In Northern IrelandNorthern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
, the Royal Ulster Constabulary
Royal Ulster Constabulary
The Royal Ulster Constabulary was the name of the police force in Northern Ireland from 1922 to 2000. Following the awarding of the George Cross in 2000, it was subsequently known as the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC. It was founded on 1 June 1922 out of the Royal Irish Constabulary...
GC (RUC) employed both full-time and part-time Reserve Constables, the difference being that in addition to carrying out the same duties as the regular force, a number of full-time Reserve officers were deployed to carry out static security duty at the homes of VIPs and at vulnerable buildings and police stations. Part-time Reserve Constables carried out similar duties to their Special Constabulary counterparts elsewhere in the UK; however, like the full-time Reserve, many part-timers also carried out a more security-based role.
With the assimilation of the RUC into the Police Service of Northern Ireland
Police Service of Northern Ireland
The Police Service of Northern Ireland is the police force that serves Northern Ireland. It is the successor to the Royal Ulster Constabulary which, in turn, was the successor to the Royal Irish Constabulary in Northern Ireland....
(PSNI), 171 part-time Constables were appointed in Banbridge
Banbridge
Banbridge is a town in County Down, Northern Ireland. It lies on the River Bann and the A1 road. It was named after a bridge built over the Bann in 1712. The town grew as a coaching stop on the road from Belfast to Dublin and thrived from Irish linen manufacturing...
, Newtownabbey
Newtownabbey
Newtownabbey is a large town north of Belfast in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Sometimes considered to be a suburb of Belfast, it is separated from the rest of the city by Cavehill and Fortwilliam golf course...
, Coleraine
Coleraine
Coleraine is a large town near the mouth of the River Bann in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It is northwest of Belfast and east of Derry, both of which are linked by major roads and railway connections...
and Lisburn
Lisburn
DemographicsLisburn Urban Area is within Belfast Metropolitan Urban Area and is classified as a Large Town by the . On census day there were 71,465 people living in Lisburn...
District Command Units (DCUs). Existing part-time Reserve Constables were offered training to meet new standards of the PSNI.
Unlike their counterparts in Great Britain, part-time Constables, like their predecessors in the RUC and PSNI Reserve, are paid.
The Ulster Special Constabulary (see Ireland below) continued to exist until 1970, when its members were assimilated into the RUC as Auxiliary Constables or the Ulster Defence Regiment
Ulster Defence Regiment
The Ulster Defence Regiment was an infantry regiment of the British Army which became operational in 1970, formed on similar lines to other British reserve forces but with the operational role of defence of life or property in Northern Ireland against armed attack or sabotage...
.
The Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)
The Ministry of Defence is the United Kingdom government department responsible for implementation of government defence policy and is the headquarters of the British Armed Forces....
employs Civilian Security Officers for its Northern Ireland Guard Service; these have Special Constable Status. The NIGS is an unionised, non-industrial civilian Armed Guard Service under the authority of the General Officer Commanding (Northern Ireland), who holds ultimate responsibility for the operation of the organisation.
A Civilian Security Officer (CSO) is attested by a resident magistrate as a Special Constable whilst on duty within MoD property. They hold similar powers to that of a Police Constable based on the Emergency Laws (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1947. A CSO has the powers of arrest under the Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 (PACE).
Scotland
Special Constables in Scotland are defined as "Members of a Police Force" under terms of the Police (Scotland) Act 1967Police (Scotland) Act 1967
The Police Act 1967 is an Act of the United Kingdom Parliament which provides the current framework within which the territorial police forces in Scotland operate...
. As such, they have identical powers to regular members of a police force, both on and off duty, and are non-contributing members of the Scottish Police Federation
Scottish Police Federation
The Scottish Police Federation is an organisation representing Police Officers in Scotland. It has approximately 16,000 members across the eight Scottish police forces. It campaigns on issues that affect pay and conditions though police officers are not allowed to strike. The Scottish Police...
, which is the staff association established by statute for police officers in Scotland from the rank of Constable up to, and including, that of chief inspector, because police officers are forbidden by law to be members of a trade union
Trade union
A trade union, trades union or labor union is an organization of workers that have banded together to achieve common goals such as better working conditions. The trade union, through its leadership, bargains with the employer on behalf of union members and negotiates labour contracts with...
. Discipline and Efficiency regulations differ from members of the regular Force, and amendments to these are currently under review by the Scottish Government.
Special Constables receive some travel expenses and allowances from the police service, plus a £1500 "recognition award" for all officers completing the required 180 hours of service every year. There is a half year award scheme which offers £500 at the end of the financial year if you reach 90 hours; this is mainly to the benefit of Special Constables sworn in half way through the financial year and Special Constables who were sworn in after the start of the 180 hour recognition award scheme cannot opt for the 180 hour scheme. Their work is otherwise voluntary and unpaid.
Most Scottish Special Constables work alongside regular Constables, and their uniform is identical other than a distinct letter/number series on the officer's shoulder number. Administration and management of Special Constables is generally carried out by regular supervisors. Special Constables do not have a separate administrative/rank/grade structure.
Special Constables in Scotland can and are deployed to a wide range of police duties over and above standard "beat duties". These include Roads Policing, Public Order, Specialist Response, Wildlife Crime and Community Support. Their primary focus, however, remains to provide a highly visible police presence, and a link with local communities across Scotland.
Ireland (before creation of Northern Ireland)
The Royal Irish ConstabularyRoyal Irish Constabulary
The armed Royal Irish Constabulary was Ireland's major police force for most of the nineteenth and the early twentieth centuries. A separate civic police force, the unarmed Dublin Metropolitan Police controlled the capital, and the cities of Derry and Belfast, originally with their own police...
began recruiting special constables in the 1920s, largely as a reaction to the Irish Republican Army
Irish Republican Army
The Irish Republican Army was an Irish republican revolutionary military organisation. It was descended from the Irish Volunteers, an organisation established on 25 November 1913 that staged the Easter Rising in April 1916...
(IRA). In the south and west of Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
were the Black and Tans
Black and Tans
The Black and Tans was one of two newly recruited bodies, composed largely of British World War I veterans, employed by the Royal Irish Constabulary as Temporary Constables from 1920 to 1921 to suppress revolution in Ireland...
and the Auxiliary Division
Auxiliary Division
The Auxiliary Division of the Royal Irish Constabulary , generally known as the Auxiliaries or Auxies, was a paramilitary organization within the Royal Irish Constabulary during the Irish War of Independence....
. The Ulster Special Constabulary
Ulster Special Constabulary
The Ulster Special Constabulary was a reserve police force in Northern Ireland. It was set up in October 1920, shortly before the founding of Northern Ireland. It was an armed corps, organised partially on military lines and called out in times of emergency, such as war or insurgency...
(USC) operated in the northeast and were the main bulwark against IRA activity.
The USC was divided into three armed sections: A Specials (full-time and paid); B Specials (part-time and paid an allowance); and C Specials (unpaid and non-uniformed reservists).
See also
- Canadian Auxiliary ConstableAuxiliary ConstableAuxiliary Constables or Reserve Constables are unpaid citizens who volunteer their time and skills to a police force. They are uniformed, unarmed members who performs a similar role to their UK counterpart in the Special Constabulary...
- Auxiliary DivisionAuxiliary DivisionThe Auxiliary Division of the Royal Irish Constabulary , generally known as the Auxiliaries or Auxies, was a paramilitary organization within the Royal Irish Constabulary during the Irish War of Independence....
- Auxiliary policeAuxiliary policeAuxiliary police or special constables in England) are usually the part-time reserves of a regular police force. They may be armed or unarmed. They may be unpaid volunteers or paid members of the police service with which they are affiliated...
- Black and TansBlack and TansThe Black and Tans was one of two newly recruited bodies, composed largely of British World War I veterans, employed by the Royal Irish Constabulary as Temporary Constables from 1920 to 1921 to suppress revolution in Ireland...
- Legion of FrontiersmenLegion of FrontiersmenThe Legion of Frontiersmen is a paramilitary group formed in Britain in 1905 by Roger Pocock, a former Constable with the North-West Mounted Police and Boer War veteran, with its roots firmly set in another era, to bolster the defensive capacity of the British Empire...
- National Service in SingaporeNational Service in SingaporeConscription in Singapore, called National Service , requires all male Singaporean citizens and second-generation permanent residents who have reached the age of 18 to enrol in the military...
- Police Support VolunteerPolice Support VolunteerPolice Support Volunteer is a voluntary role within the ranks of British Police Forces that involves civilian and mainly office based duties. PSV schemes became popular after the millennium when forces were expanding and needed to be more connected to the community...
- Security policeSecurity policeIn some countries, including the United States, security police are those persons, employed by or for a governmental agency, who provide police and security services to those agencies' properties....
(US) - Special ConstabularySpecial ConstabularyThe Special Constabulary is the part-time volunteer section of a statutory police force in the United Kingdom or some Crown dependencies. Its officers are known as Special Constables or informally as Specials.Every United Kingdom territorial police force has a special constabulary except the...
- Special policeSpecial policeSpecial Police does not have a consistent international meaning. In many cases it will describe a police force or a unit within a police force whose duties and responsibilities are significantly different from other forces in the same country or significantly different from other police in the same...
- Special police force
- Ulster Special ConstabularyUlster Special ConstabularyThe Ulster Special Constabulary was a reserve police force in Northern Ireland. It was set up in October 1920, shortly before the founding of Northern Ireland. It was an armed corps, organised partially on military lines and called out in times of emergency, such as war or insurgency...
- Volunteer Special ConstabularyVolunteer Special ConstabularyThe Volunteer Special Constabulary is an important component of the Singapore Police Force, contributing more than fifty years of volunteer service to the nation...
- O.F.S.C. Provincial S.T.O.P. Officer web page