SC's set to join the Federation

National committee representatives of the Police Federation of England and Wales are to recommend that Special Constables can become members of the Federation.

They will table the move to their own members at the Police Federation annual conference next month in Blackpool, following a successful feasibility study investigating the practicalities of including Specials as part of an extended police family.

It is expected that delegates will endorse the suggestion after they supported the idea in principle last year, pending a study to investigate the possibility.

If approved, the part-time volunteers will be able to subscribe in the same way as full-time officers and be given the same legal protection, advice, support and member benefits that regular officers receive. Through the Federation, they will be able to influence their future terms and conditions.

Commenting on the decision, Jan Berry, Chairman of the Police Federation, said: "Specials have played and continue to play an important role assisting regular police officers and helping their local communities. The time is right to support their commitment and recognise the valuable work they do."

'Where we stand'
Federation on Specials