Special constables put in hours for police coronavirus response
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SPECIAL constables have pledged tens of thousands of hours so far to support Police Scotland’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The force has thanked the volunteers for their outstanding contribution as National Volunteers Week begins today, June 1.
An appeal was issued to all Special Constables (SPCs) and their employers in March asking them to consider increasing their commitment. In the space of just nine weeks between March 23 to May 24, SPCs deployed for 25,656 hours between them, working 2,990 shifts – more than double that of the same period last year.
In addition, in the past year more than 1,100 youth and adult Police Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV) volunteered more than 64,000 hours, assisting at more than 1,500 events across the country. PSYV have not been able to deploy during the pandemic, but have been actively supporting their police colleagues and other key workers from home.
Assistant Chief Constable John Hawkins said: "National Volunteers Week is a chance to say thank you to the millions of volunteers across the UK who make such a valuable contribution to their local communities, and none are more deserving than our own SPCs who are increasing their hours on the front line to help communities at this critical time.
"While SPCs have always been considered a vital and valued feature of policing in Scotland, it is more important than ever that their role is recognised and I would like to sincerely thank them all once again for their efforts. The dedication they have shown to Police Scotland and to helping our communities is nothing short of exemplary.
"I also want to say a special thank you to our PSYV who are unfortunately not able to deploy at the moment – I know how frustrating it is and how keen they are to get back into volunteering.
"The ‘Clap For Carers’ videos they have been making to show their appreciation for key workers are fantastic and we have proudly posted them on our social media channels."
ACC Hawkins added: "Society has collectively stepped forward over the past few weeks to protect the NHS and save lives, and never have volunteers been so appreciated for the vital role they are playing in this.
"If you are considering finding a way to give back to your community, joining Police Scotland as a volunteer is a fantastic opportunity to do something great."
For more information, visit www.scotland.police.uk/recruitment/special-constables.
