BRITISH TRANSPORT POLICE SPECIALS SHOW THEIR WORTH

British Transport Police (BTP) Special Constables are involved in a series of operations this week as part of a national policing initiative to highlight the contribution of volunteer officers.

National Specials Weekend is an annual event, backed by the National Policing Improvement Agency, to highlight the vital role performed by Special Constables in local communities.  This year the weekend has been extended by several days to cover the Halloween period.

The chosen theme for this year relates to combating antisocial behaviour, which historically escalates between Halloween and bonfire night.

As part of Operation Bang, three BTP Special Constables will be deployed alongside 10 regular officers and Police Community Support Officers in the Rhondda, Merthyr and Cynon valley areas to target anti-social and public order offences.

Operation Bang is a joint initiative between BTP, South Wales Police and Rhondda Cynon Taff Community Partnership and will run from 4pm to midnight.

Special Constable and MP for Monmouth, David Davies, who joined BTP in 2006 said being a volunteer officer was a rewarding experience.

"I was looking for a new challenge and as an MP who regularly uses the railway to travel around the country, I was keen to do my part by volunteering to work for BTP.

"As special constables for BTP we get involved in a whole range of operations and incidents on the railway which can be quite a buzz.

"Our deployment for Operation Bang is helping to clamp down on antisocial and intimidating behaviour throughout the Halloween period."

Chief Inspector Sandra England, who is heading the operation, said:

"Special constables do a fantastic job working in their free time to help their community.

"At this time of year we often deal with incidents of antisocial behaviour and people misusing fireworks around the railway and having our special constables working alongside us is a boost to our operation.

"They wear the same uniform and have the same powers as regular police officers and make an invaluable contribution to our policing."