News

Chief Constable looks back over four years as a volunteer officer

Published

7 years ago

June 7, 2018

WHEN Mark Collins put on his volunteer police uniform for the first time in 1987, he could never have guessed that 29 years later he would be walking through the doors of Dyfed-Powys Police headquarters as the chief constable.

Mr Collins has worked his way up the ranks from a PC to the chief constable, but his policing career actually began as an unpaid officer volunteering his time to the force he now leads.

As the force celebrates National Volunteers Week, Mr Collins looks back over the four years he spent in the Special Constabulary and reveals what the police service gains from its team of volunteer officers.

Inspired in part by conversations with local officers in the Carmarthenshire village he grew up in, and partly from watching dramatic incidents unfold on TV series The Bill, Mr Collins was keen to join the police service as a teenager.

He decided firstly to enrol as a Special Constable so he could gain an insight into the role of a PC, and to find out if it was the right career for him.

“I thought I wanted to be a police officer, but not being from a policing background I wanted to find out what it was really like first,” he said.

“It was great to get in and see how the police worked – the roles and responsibilities of an officer, and the variety of things they dealt with. Having joined as a Special, it made me more hungry to join as a regular officer.”

After completing his initial training, Mr Collins went out on his first patrol shift as a Special Constable, supported by a regular officer.

“I spent my first shift travelling around north Carmarthen with Rhian Thomas, a rural officer, going to a number of calls,” he said.

“One memory that stands out is when we visited an elderly lady just outside Carmarthen. We dealt with some problems she had, and it turned out that she was a lady in her own right. We must have made an impact because she then invited us to a garden party.

“Knowing that you have helped someone is hugely rewarding, and as a Special it meant a lot to receive that invitation.”

A milestone for all officers is making their first arrest, and Mr Collins remembers his clearly. He was called to a report of a theft from a supermarket in Carmarthen, and arrested the culprit on the spot.

But he admits he was feeling a mixture of emotions as he put his training into practice.

“I was excited, but also nervous and anxious,” he said. “Was I going to get it right? Was I going to present the evidence to the custody sergeant correctly? It was a big deal, and something I definitely didn’t want to get wrong.”

Considering the perception of Specials, Mr Collins said a lot had changed over the years, with people’s attitudes towards volunteer officers becoming more positive, and more opportunities being opened up to volunteer officers.

Specials at Dyfed-Powys Police have worked on a mental health triage team, established the Specials on horseback scheme, and piloted a joint response unit with the Wales Ambulance Service over the Christmas period when demand increases on both services.

“If I’m honest, the training for Specials in the 80s wasn’t that good, and the support wasn’t that good,” Mr Collins said. “Regulars used to call them hobby bobbies back in the day, and they would only attend fetes and carnivals. You would occasionally get to walk the beat, but you didn’t have all the kit and equipment that we have now.

“We have moved on so much. We have a rank structure within the Special Constabulary, Specials are on the frontline with the same powers as fully warranted officers; they are better equipped; they carry out stop searches and warrants; and play an important part in policing operations.

“We recognise the specialist skills people can bring in from other jobs and the qualities they can bring to the force without needing to join as regular officers.”

Specials must be aged over 18, and must commit to a minimum of 16 hours each month to the force. While Mr Collins accepts that for many it is a way in to the police service, he would like to see more people apply with the aim of becoming ‘career Specials’ – those who are happy to continue as volunteers alongside their day-to-day roles.

“I would like people to see it as a way of supporting their communities, rather than as part of an aspiration to join the police service,” he said.

“It is a chance to do something different. There is so much reality TV, things like 24 Hours in Police Custody and Police Interceptors, and people are drawn in by the cut and thrust of policing – the fast response, blue lights flashing side of things.

“But policing isn’t all about that – there are the 2am patrols, traumatic incidents like attending sudden deaths or collisions, breaking the news that loved ones have passed away. Specials get the chance to dip into all that without giving up their day jobs.”

“For me, volunteering as a Special was the start of my policing career.

“Putting on your uniform for the first time is quite something, and it was a proud moment for both me and my family. And while I joined with aspirations of becoming a regular officer and a detective, never did I think when I walked through the doors of headquarters for the first time that I would walk back in 29 years later as the chief constable.”

News

Wales honours selfless service in New Year list

Published

30 seconds ago

January 1, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SEVERAL people in Wales have been recognised for their selfless service to others in this year’s New Year Honours List. Among the recipients is Wales rugby great Sir Gerald Davies, who admitted he was left “dumbstruck” after being awarded a knighthood.

The 79-year-old former Wales and British and Irish Lions wing has been honoured for his services to rugby union and voluntary and charitable work in Wales. Sir Gerald is one of a select group of Welsh players to win three Grand Slams.

“It is an amazing honour,” Sir Gerald said. “I am humbled by it and moved by the thought that somebody, somewhere, has thought it worthy of giving me that honour.”

A total of 58 people from Wales have received honours in HM The King’s New Year Honours List 2025, published by the Cabinet Office. This year’s recipients have been awarded for their outstanding contributions across all sectors, with a focus on community champions and selfless giving.

The honours list highlights the contributions of people from under-represented communities and various sectors, celebrating their impact throughout the nation.

Community champions and cultural leaders recognised

Richard Parry from Cardiff has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to music and choral singing. Over his career, he has accompanied some of Wales’ and the UK’s leading performers, including Rebecca Evans, Katherine Jenkins, and Rhys Meirion. Richard has served as accompanist for the internationally acclaimed Pendyrus Male Choir since 1973 and was awarded Life Membership in 1994.

Diane Locke from Penrhiwceiber also receives a BEM for her services to the community in Rhondda Cynon Taf. Known for her commitment to community development, Diane played a pivotal role in transforming Lee Gardens Pool into a thriving community hub and supports vulnerable groups through programmes like Baby Basics.

Moawia Bin-Sufyan from Cardiff has been honoured with an MBE for his work in community cohesion and interfaith relations in South Wales. With over 20 years of dedication, he has been a driving force behind initiatives promoting diversity and healthcare within the Welsh Islamic community.

In sport, Mold athlete Sabrina Fortune receives an MBE for her achievements in athletics. Recognised as the world’s leading F20 women’s shot putter, Sabrina won gold at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, breaking her own world record with her first throw of the competition.

National figures celebrated

Special honours have also gone to national figures, including actor Stephen Fry, former England football manager Gareth Southgate, and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who were all knighted. Additionally, author Jacqueline Wilson, creator of The Tracy Beaker series, has been made a Dame Grand Cross (GBE) for services to literature.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Each and every day, ordinary people go out and do extraordinary things for their communities. They represent the very best of the UK. The New Year Honours List celebrates more of these unsung heroes, and I thank them for their incredible contribution.”

Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens MP, added: “It is inspirational to see the wonderful work done by so many people from every part of Wales and in every sector of life. Whether their passion lies in sport, health, wellbeing, or the arts, their contributions make a huge difference to all our lives.”

Full Welsh Honours List 2025

The geographic breakdown of honours recipients across Wales reflects a diverse range of achievements and contributions. Among the honourees are:

Clwyd: Tarsem Singh Dhaliwal (OBE), Sabrina Ann Fortune (MBE), David Anthony Bone (BEM).
Dyfed: Debbie Lane (OBE), Dr Christopher Martin DL (OBE), Richard Huw Jones (MBE).
Gwent: Thomas Gerald Reames Davies (Knighthood), Amy-Claire Elisabeth Mason (CB), Moawia Bin-Sufyan (MBE).
Gwynedd: Rauni Ann Lucy Higson (MBE), Trystan Wyn Lewis (BEM).
Mid Glamorgan: Alan John Phillips (MBE), Diane Locke (BEM).
Powys: Francesca Hilary Bell (BEM).
South Glamorgan: Tracey Burke (CBE), Ruth Selina Marks (MBE), Moawia Bin-Sufyan (MBE).
West Glamorgan: Janice Victoria Williams (CBE), Wendy Ansell (MBE).

The honours list serves as a reminder of the selfless dedication and remarkable achievements of individuals across Wales, whose contributions continue to make a lasting impact on their communities and the nation.

News

Disgust at overflowing bins and litter at Withybush Retail Park

Published

22 mins ago

January 1, 2025

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS of Haverfordwest are voicing their frustration over the neglected state of rubbish bins at Withybush Retail Park, during the busy Christmas period. Many bins have been left overflowing, leading to a surge of complaints on social media, where locals have accused the council of neglecting waste management in the area.

The situation has sparked significant outrage among residents who feel that the local council has failed to respond adequately to the increased waste generated during the holiday season. One resident expressed their dismay, stating, “ALL bins overflowing, makes me ashamed to say that I live in Pembrokeshire.”

**Withybush Retail Park, Haverfordwest**

Despite the criticisms aimed at the council, it’s crucial to note that Withybush Retail Park is privately owned by Realty Income Corporation, an American real estate investment trust. The park was acquired for £20.7 million, reflecting a net initial yield of 7.96%. It spans 94,159 square feet and is home to well-known retailers such as Marks & Spencer, Home Bargains, Next, Boots, TK Maxx, Sports Direct, and Mountain Warehouse. This ownership structure raises questions about the responsibilities of both the council and Realty Income in maintaining cleanliness and managing waste effectively.

The Christmas peak season often brings increased foot traffic and waste generation in retail areas. However, many residents feel that proper waste management protocols should be in place to accommodate this seasonal influx. As complaints continue to mount on social media, both the local council and Realty Income will need to address these concerns to restore community satisfaction and ensure a clean environment for shoppers.

As discussions unfold regarding the responsibilities of private landowners versus public entities in waste management, residents are hopeful for a swift resolution that will improve the condition of their local environment.

Pembrokeshire County Council and Realty have both been asked to comment.

Community

Former Port Chair Dr Chris Martin Awarded OBE in New Year Honours

Published

22 hours ago

December 31, 2024

Tom Sinclair

DR CHRIS MARTIN, former Chair of the Port of Milford Haven and a proud Pembrokeshire native, has been awarded an OBE in The King’s New Year Honours list for his outstanding contribution to the maritime and ports sector.

Dr Martin’s leadership journey at the Port began in August 2017, following his appointment as Chair by the Secretary of State for Transport.

Prior to this, he had served as Vice Chair for four and a half years, bringing with him a wealth of experience from a successful entrepreneurial career.

Having built and sold pharmacy chains across South West England and Pembrokeshire, he transitioned into leadership roles across healthcare and advisory boards. Between 2009 and 2014, he was the lead Chair for all health organisations in Wales, demonstrating a strong commitment to public service.

During his tenure at the Port of Milford Haven, Dr Martin played a pivotal role in steering the organisation through a significant period of change and diversification.

His strategic vision ensured the Port maintained its position as the UK’s leading energy port and a cornerstone of Pembrokeshire’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs and attracting inward investment.

Beyond the Port, Dr Martin’s dedication to public service extended to a variety of leadership roles.

He served as Deputy Lieutenant, Chair of Life Sciences Hub Wales, Trustee of Marie Curie UK, Governor at Pembrokeshire College, Co-Chair of the Bevan Commission, and Vice Chair of St John Ambulance Cymru.