Volunteer Police Officers Recognised for Contributions to North Wales Police

The COVID-19 pandemic was an unusual and difficult time for everybody. Even more so for those working in the emergency services. For some, they took the opportunity to take on a new challenge to help their communities. Between March 2020 and March 2022, North Wales Police attested over 70 new Special Constables into the force.

The joining and training processes for these new voluntary Police officers were of course out of the ordinary due to the restrictions imposed. This meant that their attestation, or passing out ceremonies were different too.

An attestation is a formal ceremony in which Police officers are required to take an oath, which is witnessed by a Magistrate to formally appoint them into the post. Following this, they are sent out across the force to their appointed stations as operational Police officers.

Usually, friends and family are invited to these events to see their loved ones declare their oath and sign the declaration. During the pandemic however, this wasn’t the case. Some relatives were able to watch online, although not everyone was able to do this.

On 13^th December 2023, those officers who are still serving in the Special Constabulary had the opportunity to “pass out” properly, with their friends and family present. Although they may have been serving for some time, it was a great opportunity for them to experience what they missed out on due to the pandemic.

The event was encompassed by the particular celebration of two officers; Special Inspector James Morris and Special Chief Inspector Kate Glover-Jones.

S/Inspector Morris has been a serving officer for fourteen years and received his second long service bar. He said “During my time with the Special Constabulary I have worked alongside Neighbourhood Policing Teams and Response officers in the Denbighshire Coastal area before moving to my current role as Special Inspector on the Roads Safety Unit which is made up entirely of Special Constables.

I’m so grateful for the help and support I’ve received over the last fourteen years, my journey with the Special Constabulary has been one like no other and I’ve met some amazing people and had incredible experiences along the way”.

S/Chief Inspector Glover-Jones has been a Volunteer Police Officer for thirteen years, serving in the Flintshire area on response. She received her certificate of long service at the ceremony and said “I am very proud to have been part of the Special Constabulary for thirteen years and would encourage anyone with an interest to join”.

The recognition of our serving officers was made all the more enjoyable with the attestation of five new Special Constables into our ranks.  Since starting their training in August 2023, they have been put through their paces in various written and practical assessments and were sworn into the Office of Constable.

Special Chief Officer Mark Owen said “Alongside celebrating our newest Special Constables completing their initial training it’s such a pleasure to be able to thank those that joined us during the most demanding times of the Covid Pandemic.

“It’s sometimes difficult to remember the massively challenging circumstances we operated in during that time and the fact that when these officers applied to join, they did so at a time when we were all fearful about our personal safety and the safety of our friends and relatives.

“Rather than stay at home passively these officers came forward and joined the Special Constabulary and became part of our team that supported our communities and did their bit to keep our communities safe.”

A big welcome from everyone at North Wales Police to our new Special Constables.

Want to be part of our next intake? Register your interest here – Special constable | North Wales Police