Basildon Council workers to be given days off to work as police officers

The Employer Supported Policing Scheme sees the council allow their employees who volunteer as police officers to be released for up to ten days across the year from their paid day jobs to give back to their community.

Special Constable Gordon Humphries, who works as a Planning Officer for Basildon Council, is one of those who will benefit from the scheme.

He said: "I wanted a new challenge that is different to my day job. I wanted to do something rewarding that would also help improve the area where I live.

"It gives me greater flexibility when planning my duties around my job and home life. It gives me the peace of mind that I have the full support of my employer. It also lets me volunteer my time by giving back to my local community.

"The employees gain new skills and greater confidence which in turns will benefit the business or organisation. Being a Special Constable demonstrates that I am committed and being allowed to spend work time volunteering makes me feel valued.

"I love being a Special because I get to police my local area at times that suit me. I get to make a positive difference to other people’s lives and I’ve made many new friends in the process.  "Each shift is different. You learn something new each time you’re out, meet lots of different people who you would not ordinarily meet whilst gaining a variety of skills that will help you in your future career and life in general. Being trained in first aid and defensive skills is useful too.

"It’s a very flexible role which allows you to do duties in the evenings, weekends or during the week. I tend to do a shift every other weekend, and an occasional evening shift or weekday shift using my Employer Supported Policing allowance so that this does not disrupt my work or home life. You still need downtime and the Specials enable this.

"Give it a try, you won’t regret it. If you’re looking to volunteer your time and can spare a minimum of 16 hours a month, I would highly recommend becoming a Special."

The launch of the scheme was attended by the chief executive of Basildon Council Scott Logan, head of the special constabulary Superintendent Simon Anslow, district commander for Basildon Chief Inspector Sam Smith, Special Constable Gordon Humphries and members of the Special Constabulary.

Gordon Humphries was awarded a certificate by Scott Logan for his dedication and commitment to the community.

Scott Logan, chief executive of Basildon Council said: “As an employer with a lot of staff who live locally, we believe this scheme is an effective and powerful way for us to invest in our staff and our local communities.

“We are committed to supporting our staff with flexible working that gives them the time to learn new skills outside of their work role which benefits both them and their community.

“Essex Police and the work of the Special Constabulary provide vital services across the Basildon borough and this is a very worthwhile scheme which will hopefully encourage more individuals and their employers to follow suit.”

Superintendent Simon Anslow, Head of the Special Constabulary, said: “We’re delighted to be able to launch Employer Supported Policing with Basildon Council today. Our Special Constabulary is the fastest growing in the country and our volunteer police officers are making a massive difference to Essex communities.

“Our partnership with Basildon Council will not only support community safety in the district but will provide participating individuals with new skills that will benefit them in their paid and voluntary roles alike. I hope that other employers see what Basildon Council are doing and take note. Employer Supported Policing is good for Basildon and it’s good for business.”

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “Special Constables come from all walks of life, from communities across our county and from a huge range of professions and backgrounds.

“Each of them, when they have done their training and put their uniform on, can make a significant contribution to policing in Essex. I want to see a Special in every community, working alongside full time officers to support the safe and secure communities we want across our county.

“Businesses and organisations who allow their staff time to be Specials should be commended and encouraged. They are supporting the community as well as giving their employees valuable skills which can enhance both their businesses and their employees’ own abilities.”

If you would like your business to become part of our Employer Supported Policing scheme, please get in touch by emailing: specials.command.essex@essex.pnn.police.uk.

For more information about our Employer Support Policing scheme, visit: www.essex.police.uk/join-the-police/special-constabulary/employer-supported-policing For more information about becoming a Special Constable, visit: www.essex.police.uk/specials.