NWP Attend the First Ever Women in the Special Constabulary National Conference

On 18^th May 2024 the first ever Women in the Special Constabulary National Conference was held in Birmingham. Hosted by West Midlands Police, the event was well attended by female Volunteer Police Officers from Police forces across the UK.

The two-day conference featured talks on subjects such as Employer Supported Policing, the history of women in the Special Constabulary, inclusive leadership, specialist roles and the future of the Special Constabulary.

North Wales Police was represented at the conference by Special Sergeant Katy Bell and Special Inspector Lou Roberts from the Flintshire district. They said “We both thoroughly enjoyed this conference. It was fantastic to see so many like-minded female officers coming together to discuss some of the challenges we all face within the Special Constabulary, and also celebrate the achievements and progress women have made in policing over the years.”

Special Constables are Volunteer Police Officers. They have the same police powers, uniforms and equipment as regular police officers but give up their free time on a voluntary basis, balancing their busy personal lives, families, day jobs and other commitments around police duties. There are currently only four female Special Constables of Inspector rank or above across Wales. Three of these are from North Wales Police, including the highest-ranking female SC in Wales, Special Chief Inspector Mel Evans.

Have you got what it takes to become a Special Sergeant, Inspector or Chief Inspector? Click here to find out more about the role and how to apply - Special constable | North Wales Police