Devon & Cornwall Police News site

Devon & Cornwall Police is celebrating volunteers and saying a big ‘thank you’ as we mark almost two centuries since the landmark Special Constabulary Act.  

Specials are dedicated officers who give their time for free, helping communities alongside regular paid officers. There are 168 Specials across Devon and Cornwall – the third highest number for police forces after the Metropolitan Police Service and Essex Police. 

Devon & Cornwall Police Special Chief Officer Dr Ashley Frayling (who works as a lecturer at Exeter University) has served 20 years with the Special Constabulary as of October 2026. She explained: “I am extremely proud of our amazing group of Specials who go above and beyond to tackle crime and help keep communities safe across our two busy counties.

“We have some fantastic people who show dedication and professionalism, managing to fit in volunteering alongside their regular jobs and family commitments. Specials must pledge 16 hours a month with the Force but many give more – on average our Specials give between 27 and 32 duty hours a month.

“It’s fantastic that Specials have been demonstrating their worth and giving their time for almost 200 years and I would like to pass on my thanks to them.”    

The Special Constabulary Act was passed 195 years ago and established the role of Special Constables, creating a tradition of voluntary service that continues to play a vital part in policing today.

Special officers have the same powers and kit as regular officers, including the power of arrest. They fulfil a variety of roles across the Force and make a real impact and difference by supporting all ranks and giving back to the community.  

Our longest serving Special has volunteered for 42 years and is based in Mid Devon. You can apply to be a Special from the age of 17 and there is no upper age limit; our eldest Special volunteer is a 70-year-old drone operator in Cornwall.

Special Constable Sarah Wolf is based in Exeter and has volunteered with the Force for two years. Her day job is in marketing and communications but she volunteers and supports Response teams responding to 999 calls when she clocks on for a police shift.

Sarah commented: “You never quite know what's going to come over the radio next. One shift can involve reassuring a victim of crime, helping to find a missing person or supporting someone through one of the worst days of their life.

“That's what makes being a Special Constable so rewarding. You're trusted to step forward when people need help and to work alongside regular officers to keep communities safe.

“It can be challenging, but there's a real sense of purpose that comes with knowing you've made a difference."

Devon & Cornwall Police Chief Constable James Vaughan added: “The Special Constabulary is a very valued part of our police Force and we really appreciate their contribution. They give up their own time to support officers and help others and I would like to add my heartfelt thanks to them for all they achieve and the efforts they make to keep the communities of Devon and Cornwall safe.”     

This week (Thursday 15 October) also marked national Employer Supported Policing day. Devon & Cornwall Assistant Chief Constable Deb Smith is the UK’s policing lead for this initiative which enables Special Constables and Police Support Volunteers to give back to their communities through paid time off from their full time employer and carry out their vital volunteer duties and training.  

More than 100 companies in England and Wales currently participate with the scheme and by backing Employer Supported Policing, companies are helping to strengthen local policing while empowering their staff to make a real difference.”

Are you an ordinary person who can help us do extraordinary things? If you are thinking about becoming a Special Constable or volunteering with us you can find out more here Special Constables | Devon & Cornwall Police

Pic caption: Special Constable Sarah Wolf (left) and Special Chief Officer Ashley Frayling