Hertfordshire Specials provide valuable support to virtual court

Special Constables are part-time, voluntary police officers with all the same powers as regular police officers, they work alongside regular officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).

In return for their commitment of a minimum of 16 hours a month, Special Constables receive first class training, support and the uniform and equipment to carry out the role.

With demand for virtual court hearings increasing due to COVID-19, the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Virtual Court Team called for assistance from the Specials to see if

any willing volunteers could help.

Special Constables Stuart Murray and Neil Cornwell came forward happy to help and completed training which involved getting to grips with the technology and learning how to facilitate the virtual hearings from start to finish, including liaising with the prison service.

Their training means that they can be deployed into custody to help ensure the service runs smoothly.

Both officers have given up hours of their time, including weekends, to put their training to use and ensure that the justice process is not disrupted despite this challenging time for policing.

Chief Inspector David Cooke, from the Criminal Justice and Custody Command, said: “Special Constables Murray and Cornwell have been a welcome and valuable addition to the team and we are grateful for their time and support.

"Both have received an award and formal recognition from the Constabulary for their efforts.

"On National Specials Weekend, I would like to say a big thank you for their help.”

Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd said: “Keeping the criminal justice system moving during this crisis has been particularly challenging.

"But it is vital for victims and those accused that it is conducted as quickly as possible.

“The fine work of these two officers is just another example of the varied duties performed by our Specials.

"They can make a real difference to our communities and I thank them and all our other outstanding volunteer officers.”

To report a crime, you can call 101 or report information online at herts.police.uk/report.

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