NEWS Specials set to be able to join the Federation
The Federation is set to make history in 2022 when Royal Assent is given to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill 2021. For the first time, Specials will be able to
become members of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) and receive full representation from Fed representatives in the same way as our regular officers. This landmark move was welcomed
by both National Chair John Apter and PFEW Special Constabulary Working Group Secretary Dave Bamber, when they addressed delegates at the first ever Special Constables’ National Gathering 2021 on 18 September. Barring unexpected Parliamentary
intervention which prevents the change becoming law early next year, it will be a significant moment for PFEW and the entire membership. This follows years of successful campaigning by the Chair – himself a former Special – and PFEW to offer parity to the many volunteers who willingly give their own time to serve their communities. Run by the National Special
Constabulary Working Group and National Citizens in Policing Team, the gathering was hosted virtually by North Wales Police for Special Constables in the United Kingdom. The National Chair told the conference about his own personal experience of being a Special and explained why it was important they had the choice to become PFEW members. He said: “I’m very confident the law will be changed probably early next year to allow this momentous decision to become reality. Why is it so important to me and other colleagues in PFEW? “It’s because Specials carry a warrant
card. They carry the same risks as I do when I’m out on shift, and the role has evolved and changed so much over the past 30 years from when I was a Special. “They are out on response with the same
risks. There’s also a big drive for Specials to carry Taser. That’s why we want to make sure they have full PFEW support in place and access to our Rolls Royce service of support.” Dave Bamber added: “For years, the
Fed has pushed for volunteer Specials to be represented for the first time and have our powerful voice on their side. There are an estimated 8 to 10,000 specials who could be eligible for membership. This truly would be a historic moment, and one which we will be especially proud of. “Specials won’t be treated any differently
when they join PFEW. They will have parity with the existing membership, and exactly the same expert support, representation, and rights to vote and stand in elections. “But as they are volunteers, we are
keen to offer as much support as we can – especially for Specials who might not earn a lot in their day jobs or who are struggling financially.” The Federation is in discussions
with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) about a scheme where Specials could reclaim “expenses” for staff association membership through force systems. However, the amount they are recompensed would be entirely dependent on individual Police and Crime Commissioners and chief officers.
26 I POLICE I OCTOBER 2021
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