GMP welcomes 21 new special constables

Greater Manchester Police welcome 21 new Special Constables

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has welcomed 21 new special constables at a attestation ceremony which took place at Sedgley Park on Tuesday 3 December.

The ceremony was attended by Assistant Chief Constable of GMP Nick Bailey, the evenings officiating magistrate Stephen Paine, the Special Constabulary Chief Officer Mike Walmsley and Special Constabulary Inspector Phil Heyes, the Specials Trainer at GMP.

The attestation marks the end of the recruits five-month training programme and the start of their volunteer role, giving at least four hours a week of their free time to assisting GMP officers to help keep Greater Manchester safe.

All special constables share the same powers as regular officers, including the power of arrest. Before being sworn in as a special constable and receiving their policing powers, officers make a declaration which is known as the Police Oath. Friends and family are invited to the attestation and it is a proud day for all involved.

Volunteering as a Special can bring with it a wide range of benefits, and all new recruits have their own reason for joining.

Lewis Lyons is currently studying for a degree in Policing and Criminal Investigation. He has joined as a Special to gain an insight into frontline policing and gain valuable experience to help towards achieving his long-term goal of becoming a regular in the future.

Ellie Bradley-Wilkinson began her career as a GMP apprentice in January 2018. She has joined the Special Constabulary so she can get a glimpse of life as a regular officer, with hopes to join as a student officer in the future.

Ellie has already received a Branch Commanders commendation for her work in her current role. She hopes to build on her experience, gain new skills and develop her confidence.

Anfas Akram currently works for GMP as an Operational Support Officer and feels this will give him an advantage whilst being out on patrol. 

Anfas is looking forward to helping make a difference to the local community to the experiences which he hopes will support him to become a regular officer one day. He is proud of how far he has come, and believes there’s something for everyone to achieve in their life.

GMP Assistant Chief Constable Nick Bailey said: “The support from Special Constables is invaluable to policing across Greater Manchester.

“The fact they volunteer in their own time is commendable, and they are highly valued by the force. Specials help us to continue to keep Greater Manchester safe, as well as helping to build links with local communities.

“It is always great to hear the reasons for why our Specials choose to volunteer, and how they are always really keen to play their part in helping protect the local communities. I wish them the very best of luck, and look forward to watching their confidence and skills continue to grow.”