News

Pembrokeshire’s top Special encourages more volunteers to sign up

Published

8 years ago

February 2, 2018

A VOLUNTEER chief inspector has described joining the Dyfed-Powys Police Special Constabulary as the best thing he ever did.

Nine years ago, Specials Chief Inspector Chris Evans took the plunge and applied to become a Special Constable – and he hasn’t looked back. Now he’s encouraging people to apply as the force opens recruitment on Monday, February 5.

Specials are volunteer police officers who have the same powers as regular officers. They go on foot and car patrol, can be sent to incidents ranging from antisocial behaviour and criminal damage, to public disorder and assaults, and have the power of arrest. The only difference between Specials and regular officers is that the time they give to the force – a minimum of 16 hours a month – is voluntary.

SCI Evans started his Specials career in Pembrokeshire, and has worked his way up to Special Chief Inspector. He now takes responsibility for a team of inspectors across the four business command units. His role is to ensure they are working in line with force priorities and following the Police and Crime Commissioner’s plan.

SCI Evans volunteers around 30 hours each month but says he will never forget his first shift.

“I arrested someone in Haverfordwest for arson with intent to endanger life,” he said.

“I didn’t expect to make an arrest on my very first shift, but you just don’t know what’s going to happen.

“That’s part of what’s so amazing about the role – it’s so unexpected.”

SCI Evans was encouraged by his partner – a police officer – to apply to become a Special, and said it was the difference between the role and his regular job that made him apply. This is a common reason among Specials, who come from all walks of life and have day jobs ranging from teacher and theatre marketing manager to emergency call handler and forensic vehicle examiner.

“There were a few reasons why I applied, but the main one was that it was something so different to my job,” he said. “I was working in the control room of an oil refinery, which is so far from being a police officer. I decided to give it a go and I’ve never looked back.”

Recruitment for Special Constables is open from Monday, February 5 to Wednesday, March 7, and SCI Evans has urged anyone thinking about applying to just go for it.

“I would encourage people to apply in a heartbeat,” he said.

“It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. It opens so many avenues and you learn so much about people that you could never learn anywhere else.

“There’s no other job like it.”

Applicants must submit a written application form, pass a medical and vetting and fitness test. They then go through seven weekends of initial training, which covers aspects of law, personal safety training, restraint techniques, conflict management, role play scenarios, training on force systems, dealing with antisocial behaviour, stop search and standard search procedures.

This is followed up by divisional training once a month on their respective divisions where their knowledge is built upon. They start work books as soon as they come in and follow these through to completion on division – once they have completed their workbooks and have had them signed off they achieve independent patrol status.

Local Government

Clean-up after yacht wrecked on rocks at Lower Town, Fishguard

Published

11 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A YACHT that ran aground on rocks at Lower Town in Fishguard is being cleared by Pembrokeshire County Council after debris washed onto the shoreline.

Council officers attended the scene to assess the situation and begin removing wreckage after the vessel was found stranded among the rocks.

Heavy machinery was brought in to help clear debris from the beach, with workers seen dismantling parts of the damaged yacht and removing material that had scattered along the shoreline.

Pembrokeshire County Council confirmed it is aware of the incident and has issued a Notice to Mariners, warning of the potential presence of floating debris in the surrounding waters.

The notice advises vessels navigating in the area to exercise caution while clearance work continues.

No further details about how the yacht came to run aground have been released.

Cover pic:

Council workers clear debris from a yacht that ran aground at Lower Town, Fishguard.

Community

Sea Cadets receive grant, donation and celebrate World Book Day

Published

11 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SEA CADETS have had a busy and successful week, with new equipment arriving at the unit, a donation from a local organisation, and junior members taking part in World Book Day activities.

The Milford Haven unit recently received delivery of new Standard Horizon VHF radios, which will be used during the upcoming boating season. The equipment was purchased after the group successfully secured funding through the RCD Foundation Grant.

The radios will help cadets develop important communication and safety skills while taking part in maritime training on the water.

The unit also received a £100 donation from Neyland Lodge, with cadets presented with a cheque during the week. Staff at the unit said the contribution would help support activities and training opportunities for young people involved in the organisation.

Leaders at the unit thanked the lodge for its support, describing the donation as a welcome boost for the cadet group.

Meanwhile, junior Sea Cadets marked World Book Day by taking part in a special visit to their local library. Along with members of the Junior Training Organisation (JTO), the young cadets dressed up and learned about the role of a librarian.

During the visit, they explored the library and each chose a favourite book, helping to encourage reading and learning outside the classroom.

Milford Haven Sea Cadets said the week highlighted the wide range of experiences available to cadets, from maritime training and community support to educational activities.

The unit is part of the wider Sea Cadet network operating across West Wales and continues to provide opportunities for young people in the Milford Haven area to develop skills, confidence and teamwork.

Local Government

Petition calling for clean rivers policy wins unanimous support at County Hall

Published

11 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A PETITION calling for Pembrokeshire County Council to adopt a stronger Clean Rivers Policy has received unanimous support from councillors at County Hall.

The petition, backed by environmental campaigners and community groups, was presented during a meeting of the council on Thursday (Mar 6). Supporters in the public gallery applauded after councillors expressed their backing for the proposals.

The presentation was delivered by James Harrison-Allen, representing The Cleddau Project, a volunteer-led initiative focused on protecting and restoring the River Cleddau and its surrounding environment.

Campaigners said the atmosphere inside the council chamber was “extraordinary”, with councillors from across the political spectrum voicing support for improving river protection measures in Pembrokeshire.

The petition calls for the council to adopt a clearer policy aimed at improving water quality and tackling pollution affecting local rivers.

Supporters say pollution from multiple sources, including agricultural run-off and sewage discharges, has placed increasing pressure on rivers across Wales, including the Eastern and Western Cleddau.

Following the presentation, councillors backed the petition unanimously, prompting applause from members of the public and campaign supporters in attendance.

The campaign has drawn support from a number of environmental organisations including West Wales Rivers Trust, River Action UK, and the Campaign for National Parks.

Representatives from several organisations and public bodies were also acknowledged by campaigners, including Natural Resources Wales, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, as well as local political representatives Henry Tufnell MP, Samuel Kurtz MS, and Paul Davies MS.

Campaigners say the decision marks an important step in raising awareness of river pollution issues affecting the Cleddau catchment and wider waterways across Pembrokeshire.

The Cleddau Project said the outcome was “a great day for the Cleddau” and praised the work of volunteers and supporters who have helped drive the campaign forward.