Specials to receive a one-off payment of £150 from West Midlands Police
Volunteers who have helped a police force amid coronavirus are set to receive a one-off payment for their efforts.
Special Constables in the West Midlands will receive £150 for every 16 hours the officers work over their usual commitment.
It comes as force leaders look to reward the volunteers for their "outstanding commitment" to policing during the difficult period.
David Jamieson, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "Our specials do an amazing job, their dedication to the force and the public is truly outstanding and West Midlands Police would have had some wide gaps in service if it were not for them.
"This will be the first time Special Constables have received a payment like this and it is so well deserved for the service they have given to our communities.
"This extraordinary payment is a way of saying thank you to our Specials who have gone above and beyond, in some cases doing similar hours to our regular police officers during this global pandemic.
"This one off payment is a way of sending our thanks to those who give up their own time, volunteering all year round to keep us safe."
A total of 220 volunteers are currently in the force – with 116 set to benefit from the new payment after they helped when the virus hit the force.
Mike Rogers, chief officer of West Midlands Police's Special Constabulary, said: "The Special Constabulary have worked really hard to support the community we all serve during the Covid crisis and have achieved some amazing results in terms of community safety.
"Thanks are due to the PCC, Chief Constable David Thompson and Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Vanessa Jardine for their support.
"Without this inspirational leadership the Special Constabulary would not have been able to achieve these results.
"The payment gesture is really valued and appreciated by our volunteers. Yet again we are proud to be part of another WMP first."
The one off payment will cover the period from March 23 until June 30.
ACC Vanessa Jardine said: “Our Special Constables have made an exceptional contribution in recent weeks and months, stepping up and contributing significantly to our Covid-19 policing response.
"This extraordinary step is a gesture that reflects our appreciation for all of their efforts.
"Many of our Special Constabulary colleagues have gone above and beyond in these exceptional circumstances and we owe them huge thanks."
