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Community Special Constables Scheme
We are really pleased that Witham Town Council was the first local council to ‘go live’ with the Community Special Constables Scheme. This was the first such scheme in Essex (and possibly the first of its kind in the country).
This was the result of close co-operation between Essex Police and Witham Town Council over a long period of time and sees the Council funding any expenses for our volunteer police officers to be based in the town.
The development forms part of the Town Council’s 4-point attack on crime and Anti-Social Behaviour
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Recruitment of local special constables
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Extending and link up of CCTV throughout Witham
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Help residents to self-help with advice and information
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Promotion of resident’s associations across the town alongside existing Neighbourhood Watch scheme.
The Community Special Constable scheme was launched in June 2018, with a media event at Witham Town Hall, to celebrate the occasion. This also formed part of Essex Police’s National Volunteers Week, which was part of a big media campaign for Essex Police to recruit more volunteers.
Each Special will volunteer a minimum of 16 hours each month in Witham to target and disrupt anti-social behaviour, respond to community concerns and carry out high visibility foot patrols in the town. The Specials have the same full policing powers and uniform as regular police officers.
SP Sgt Simon Jesse was interviewed by BBC Essex at our Coronation Music Festival. Click to listen to him explain why he became a Community Special Officer for Essex Police, and why you should too.
Essex Police Community Beat Surgery Dates
Essex Police hold a regular Tuesday Community Beat Surgery at Witham Information Centre where you can pop along and chat to an officer about any concerns you may have.
The following dates have been confirmed so far for 2024:
Tuesday 12th Nov – 1030 – 1200 Tuesday 19th Nov – 1030 – 1200
Tuesday 10th Dec – 1500 – 1630 Tuesday 17th Dec – 1030 – 1200
Tuesday 14th January 10:30 – 12:00 Tuesday 21st January 10:30 – 12:00
Tuesday 4th February 15:00 – 16:30 Tuesday 18th February 10:30 – 1200
Tuesday 18th March 10:30 – 1200 Tuesday 25th March 10:30 – 1200
Tuesday 15th April 1500 – 1630 Tuesday 22nd April 10:30 – 1200
Tuesday 20th May 10:30 – 1200 Tuesday 27th May 10:30 – 1200
Tuesday 10th June 1500 - 1630 Tuesday 24th June 10:30 – 1200
In June 2023 we celebrated five years since the launch of the Police Specials Scheme. We currently have three fully qualified Police Specials in Witham, and funding available for a further two.
Should you be interested in being a part of the Community Special Constable Scheme, please visit: www.essex.police.uk/join-the-police/special-constabulary/ or email: les.hawkins1@essex.pnn.police.uk
Essex Police Recognition Awards
On Wednesday 18th January, Essex Police held their first Recognition evening for the Braintree & Uttlesford Special Constable team. It was a great evening with most of the team there celebrating the achievements of 2022.
The district's special constables volunteered 14,573 hours in 2022.
Winner of the officer who has made the biggest contribution to the Specials team in 2022 as voted for by his regular colleagues was SC Charlie Watts. Charlie volunteered the largest number of hours in the team last year as well.
Winner of the Community Special Constable award was Sp Sgt Simon Jesse. Simon has made a real impact in Witham since 2018 when the CSC Role began and is very well known by the residents of Witham. Sp Sgt Jesse also won the Community Contribution Award. Congratulations Simon.
Acting Sp Chief Insp Lorne Campbell and Sp Sgt Simon Jesse received their 5 year service awards and recognised for all the hours they contributed during 2022.
Special Constables are volunteer Police Officers. They have the same police powers, uniforms and equipment as regular Police Officers but sacrifice their free time on a voluntary basis.
To learn more visit https://www.essex.police.uk/police-forces/essex-police/areas/essex-police/ca/careers/special-constabulary/
Witham Town Council currently fund three Community Special Constables. From November 2020, they will provide us with a monthly report of their activities for the month