Special Constables: Bridging the gap between community and police

Greater Manchester Police has highlighted the tireless work of supporting officers and how it is pivotal force wide.

Specials are volunteer police officers who have the same powers, uniforms and equipment as their regular police colleagues.

As well as providing a wide range of support to officers, they also cover traffic patrols to community engagement events. 

But what makes them so special is that they give up their free time on a voluntary basis, balancing their personal lives, family and day jobs around duties.  

Their work is purely voluntary, and they all have a strong desire to help the communities by protecting and tackling crime. 

On Saturday, March 8, 2025, 43 Special Constables worked alongside a variety of different departments across Greater Manchester in a day of action.  

From traffic offences including speeding during roads policing operations to supporting neighbourhood officers and working with specialist teams at Manchester Airport.  

Over 100 vehicles were stopped, during the day, with six vehicles seized and four traffic offence reports issued. 

The day was part of an initiative driven by Special Chief Inspector, Cat Cutler, who organised the dedicated special constabulary day of action to showcase how important special constables are within GMP. 

She said: “I wanted to set up this dedicated day of activity to shine a light on the fantastic work our Special Constabulary carry out. I have also recently set up a Special Constabulary Women in Policing network, to provide further opportunities for our female officers, both internally within our organisation, and externally within our communities and what better way to celebrate this conducting a day of action on International Women’s Day. 

“During the day itself, we made five arrests, were able to reunite a lost child with their parents, recover an outstanding stolen vehicle, assist with a double cardiac arrest and support officers during a concern for welfare.

“I am so proud of every one of our special constables – all of which come from different areas across Greater Manchester and dedicate their time to supporting the force.” 

In February, our Special Constabulary volunteered over 4,000 hours of their time to support the force across a range of activity including traffic stops, assisting arrests, community engagement events, providing support during grade one incidents and concerns for welfare. 

If you’re interested in being part of the Special Constabulary, find out more here - https://www.gmp.police.uk/police-forces/greater-manchester-police/areas/greater-manchester-force-content/careers/careers/special-constables/