It takes a Special to do their job

While many people across the borough prepare for a fun night out, others are getting ready to make sure it is a safe Friday evening. These are the 22 Specials in Haringey, who give up at least 200 hours a year to support regular police officers in their duties.

They have the same powers as regular officers and wear the same uniform, complete with radio, handcuffs, baton and CS spray - the only difference is they don't get paid.

Inspector Barry O'Callaghan is Haringey's Metropolitan Special Constabulary liaison officer, overseeing the work of the Specials.

He said: "They work with our regular officers, and particularly with our Safer Neighbourhoods Teams. The idea is they become completely integrated into the whole force.

"We have a large selection of people from all different walks of life. We have a mother from the west of the borough, a man who is a senior member of the cabin crew on a major airline. They love it, I think people just want to give a little something back."

The evening started with a briefing at Wood Green police station, then three police cars, crewed by both Specials and regular officers, are sent to Bounds Green Road.

They were stopping vehicles based on their speed and general condition. Some drivers were less than pleased to be pulled over but the majority seemed happy to provide their details. One took a breathalyser test, and another was issued with a £60 penalty for poor tyres.

There is a great variety to the job, and situations can be challenging. Special Sergeant Arif Ahmed described how he had convinced a man who had self-harmed to go to hospital. "He had slashed his arms, you could see his tendons, and he was declining any medical assistance. His daughter was there and really upset," the father of four said. "I talked to him for about an hour and a half, and in the end he agreed to go to hospital. It was all about talking to him in a certain way, being patient, listening."

Volunteering also has a positive impact on the life of the officer. "Since becoming a Special, I can handle situations a lot better at home as I use the tools I have learnt on the job, I'm more logical and calm," he said.

Angela Antoniou, the only Special Constable on duty on Friday night - the rest were a mixture of higher ranks such as Special Inspectors and Special Sergeants - enjoys the tight-knit nature of the group and friendships formed.

"I don't live around here anymore, but I grew up here so I still care," she said. "You have got to be patient, as there can be a lot of hanging around, but generally it is worth it. There is usually a group of us, we all have a laugh, support each other through it. It is a great atmosphere."

She would, she said, like to see more women become Specials: "I have got so much out of it, and I would definitely recommend it."

Our next stop was Wood Green town centre, where the Specials were checking licensed premises.

Jacqui Forshaw, licensee of Wetherspoons, seemed pleased to see them and chatted amicably for a few minutes. She told me: "I don't mind at all the police coming in. In fact, it can be quite helpful sometimes."

Special Inspector Julian Clarke, a Special for more than ten years, said: "Since I started, a lot of things have changed. There was a time when I would go out on patrol on my own, but that would never happen now, you have to, at the very least, go in pairs. But it is something I love to do."

Most Specials are out until 2am, but there is a real flexibility to when, and how many hours at a time, they have to devote.

The police are keen to attract more volunteers.

Haringey Borough Commander, Chief Superintendent Simon O'Brien, said: "I would love to see in excess of 100 volunteers donning the uniform and assisting on the streets of the borough. Am I talking to you? If so, come on in and join the family."

There will be a recruitment stall at the Tottenham Carnival on June 23, and you can visit the St Ann's Police Station Open Day on June 30, from 11am to 3pm. To find out more, visit www.metpolicecareers.co.uk