Special constabulary chief officer and deputy chief officer appointed
Tuesday, 08 March, 2011
Chief Officer Nigel Walters (left) and Deputy Chief Officer Paul Airlie.
LANCASHIRE Constabulary has appointed a chief officer and deputy chief officer to oversee its special constabulary.
Nigel Walters has taken up the role of chief officer and Paul Airlie has taken up the role of deputy chief officer.
Assistant Chief Constable Andy Cooke said: “I’d like to welcome Nigel and Paul to their new roles and thank them for the commitment and dedication they have shown over the years.
“Our special constabulary is a valuable resource – a strong embodiment of the fact that policing cannot be left just to the regular officers, but needs the support of all the community. Joining the specials can give a person a great sense of fulfilment – it gives them a chance to get involved with the community and make a real difference to the people living there.”
Nigel joined the special constabulary in 2003 and was working as a special sergeant in Preston prior to being appointed. He works at BAE Systems on the Eurofighter Typhoon project in the project management department.
He said: “I have worked for the special constabulary for eight years now and it is a very rewarding, alternative career which provides satisfaction from helping others in the community.
“I’m very much looking forward to overseeing the specials throughout the county to deliver a high quality service to residents.”
Paul joined the special constabulary in 1998. He was working as a special sergeant in St Annes prior to being appointed. He works as an operations manager for the Highways Agency’s traffic officer service.
He said: "I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed deputy chief officer for Lancashire’s special constabulary.
"My challenge is to make sure we are utilised in the best way possible and undertake highly visible policing duties as agreed at monthly neighbourhood policing meetings.”
Both started their new roles at the beginning of March. They are new posts and their appointment follows a review of the Force’s special constabulary.
Lancashire Constabulary has a total of 470 special constables. They have full police powers and perform the same duties as regular officers. These can range from general patrol to the policing of football matches and road traffic incidents.
Specials wear the same uniform as police officers and are issued with the same equipment. Aged 18 and above, they work flexible hours with a minimum requirement of four hours per week and provide their time and expertise without financial reward.
