People who make a difference

This week I had two chances to recognise examples of how individuals contribute to making the City safer. One evening I met with colleagues at the Mayor's rooms in the Civic Centre to congratulate 3 Special Constables on achieving independent patrol status. That means that after many hours of training and joint patrol with more experienced colleagues and regular officers they have reached a level of experience and knowledge where they can now patrol independently. We take the training of Special Constables very seriously and their voluntary commitment to do a minimum of 4hrs patrol every week (many do much more) is a really valuable addition to the visible policing presence in the City which I know so many people want to see more of. The same evening I congratulated a Police Sergeant who, amongst his other duties, has for 15 years led a team of Special Constables as part of the football operation at St Mary's. Apparently he even reads this blog! I can't miss the chance to make a recruitment appeal so if you have ever thought about volunteering in the City or you are interested in a potential career in policing then being a Special Constable is a great opportunity and maybe even more attractive when the council implement their plan to offer a 100% council tax rebate for Special Constable's living and working in the City.
The second event was when I congratulated a member of staff at Sainsburys In Shirley for the actions he took in detaining a violent man for snatching cash from the store. The man was wanted for 7 other offences. That was great work supporting his colleagues, his company and the community and it was a pleasure to say well done and thank you to him.