News

Pembrokeshire’s top Special encourages more volunteers to sign up

Published

7 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.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

12 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

19 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

20 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.