Special Inspector Richard Sparks has volunteered with Cheshire Constabulary for nearly 15 years – all while holding down a full-time day job. In this Policing TV interview, he explains what it really means to be a UK Special Constable: fully warranted officers with the same legal powers as regulars, responding to 999 calls, using blues and twos, working public order, and even leading frontline teams.
Richard also shares his new international role on the board of the Volunteer Law Enforcement Officer Alliance (VLOA), how volunteer officers are used across the world, and why he believes the biggest challenge – and opportunity – is convincing senior leaders to truly invest in volunteer policing. From budget pressures to the Commonwealth Games, this conversation offers a rare strategic look at how volunteers can transform capacity and culture in policing.
Takeaways
- Special Constables are fully warranted volunteer officers.
- Volunteers in Cheshire undertake high-risk, frontline duties.
- Special ranks mirror regular ranks up to Chief Officer.
- Volunteer supervisors are key to welfare and liaison.
- VLOA connects volunteer officers worldwide to share practice.
- Cost-of-living pressures are shrinking people’s time to volunteer.
- Investment in training specials delivers real operational returns.
- Senior leaders need evidence and visibility of volunteer impact.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Volunteer Policing
02:05 Understanding Special Constables
04:15 Leadership Roles in Volunteer Policing
06:46 The Volunteer Law Enforcement Officer Alliance
09:52 Challenges Facing Volunteer Policing
13:19 Opportunities for Growth in Volunteer Policing
15:32 Engaging Senior Leaders in Volunteer Policing
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