Special Constables volunteering with British Transport Police (BTP) are set to be the first in England and Wales to be represented by the Police Federation.
From this month (January 2021), British Transport Police Federation are welcoming Specials as members. British Transport Police will be funding the Special Constable’s membership of the staff association.
At a meeting held back in September, delegates, elected to represent Federation members, debated extending membership to the Special Constabulary.
BTP Federation was established under the Railway Transport and Safety Act to represent officers from Constable to Chief Inspector in matters affecting their welfare and efficiency. No amendments to the Act are required to enable Specials to join.
Chair of BTP Federation, Nigel Goodband, said:
“BTP’s Special Constables are extremely committed to supporting our members, dedicating many thousands of hours of their time each year. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic their work has been even more visible and crucial. Specials face the same dangers and challenges as our members and should have access to the same representation, protection and support.”
BTP has 302 Special Constables who last year (2020) volunteered 100,702 hours.
Ben Clifford, BTP’s Special Constabulary Chief Officer, said:
“I’m delighted that our Special Constables are now eligible to become members of the BTP Federation. As fully warranted officers, facing the risks and challenges associated with frontline policing, it’s welcome that they will be able to access the wellbeing support and benefits of the Federation.
“Our Specials work hard to support the force’s regular police officers to serve the public and do so on a voluntary basis, so it’s good news that the force have been able to support their membership.”
Rachael Etebar, Director of People and Culture from British Transport Police, said:
“Our Special Officers volunteer thousands of hours each year to keep the travelling public safe. We wanted to recognise and thank them for their volunteering by enabling them to access the support and representation of the BTP Police Federation.”
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