Cambridgeshire Police Federation chair Liz Groom says it will be a historic moment when Special Constables are able to subscribe to the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) for the first time.
The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill includes provision to permit Specials to become members and is set to become law early next year.
Liz said: “We’ve been campaigning for almost a decade for Specials to be able to access the Federation’s services and support.
“That moment is coming closer and when it arrives it will be a historic one for the Federation and the thousands of Specials who will be eligible for membership.
“Throughout the pandemic Specials have stepped up to the challenge, working alongside full-time officers to keep the public safe.
“It’s only right that they should have access to the same representation, support and protection as their colleagues from the Federated ranks.”
Liz’s comments have been echoed by Dave Bamber, secretary of PFEW’s Special Constabulary Working Group, in a blog on the Federation’s website.
Dave said: “Specials won’t be treated any differently when they join PFEW. They will have parity with the existing membership, and exactly the same expert support, representation, and rights to vote and stand in elections. Nothing will be any different from any Special and an existing member.
“As volunteers though, we are keen to offer as much support as we can – especially for Specials who might not earn a lot in their day jobs or are struggling financially.”