SUNDAY was a ‘special’ day for Swindon’s volunteer police officers as they took charge of their regular counterparts for the day.

Special Constables have the same powers as ordinary officers, the only difference is that they give up their free time to police their communities, normally working alongside their full time colleagues helping to boost numbers and give something back.

While Specials, as they are commonly known, usually take their lead from full-time officers, on Sunday the roles were reversed and the volunteers took the lead both at the Town Centre Policing Point and on patrol in the heart of Swindon.

Inspector Steve McGrath, the full time officer who heads up the town centre sector, said: “The whole idea of this day is to value and appreciate the Specials, they come in and they do this voluntarily, they don’t get paid for it.

“I wanted to make sure that we strengthen the team, show them the appreciation but also it’s a good training exercise so they can get an insight into what we do as well as us appreciating their contribution.

“It all helps to build the teamwork as well.”

Special Inspector Andy French, who has been a Special for 24 years, working on the town centre team, as a football intelligence officer and as on the roads policing team during that time.

He said: “When I first started we had two weekends training up at headquarters, we were given a truncheon and we used to share helmets and there was 1 radio between 2.

“Now we get exactly the same kit as the regular officers, the same training and we are really welcomed into their teams.

“Today is really good because I’m able to get an insight into what Steve does and how he works on a daily basis.”

It takes approximately two years for a new recruit into the Special Constabulary to go from having no policing experience to being fully independent and able to go out on patrol and deal with incidents alone.

On an average day, about 15 percent of the policing component in Swindon is made up of volunteers – with Specials supporting not only the neighbourhood policing teams but also response shifts and the roads policing unit among others.

Sunday's shift began with the normal briefing for the town centre team, but this time it was given by Special Sgt Greg Satchell who was partnered with regular Sgt Claire Davidson for the day.

Officers were dispatched to carry out enquiries into a burglary, to assist with a missing person investigation and to check on rough sleepers around town.

There was plenty for the Specials to do - shortly after 1pm three men were arrested on suspicion of vehicle interference, possession of cannabis and shoplifting.

SC Connor Richardson identified and arrested a wanted man and SCs Jas Singh and Chris Smith were involved in a short foot chase before catching another offender.