Praise for special constables who devote free time to keeping Sunderland safe

Special Constables Lewis Steele and Lauren Brook started work in the city last September; and the pair have clocked up more than 150 hours of work since the start of the coronavirus lockdown on Monday, March 23.

The two devote their time to supporting the force and the communities it serves – and it’s made all the more special by the fact that they do it for free.

Chief Superintendent Sarah Pitt, who is the force lead for volunteers, praised the dedication of Special Constables Steele and Brook.

She said: "The commitment of our police volunteers never fails to amaze me and those who give up their free time deserve a massive amount of praise.

"They are a vital resource in helping us to reassure local communities and are a massive help to local neighbourhood policing teams in their work - especially during these unprecedented times we find ourselves in.

"I’d like to say a big thank you not only to Lauren and Lewis, but to every single volunteer across our organisation - you are all a credit to everyone at Northumbria Police.”

Special Constable Brook, who is studying criminology, wanted to give something back to her local community and added: “It’s allowed me to expand my knowledge in the area and gain valuable experience in the world of policing.

“If I go down a different career path in the future, I’ll definitely continue working as a special for as long as possible!”

Special Constable Steele said he intends to continue volunteering as a special until “the day I retire”.

He added: “We’d recommend anyone with an interest in policing and a desire to contribute to their community gets involved.

“It offers the flexibility to work around your other commitments and across the force area, but wherever you are stationed you will be welcomed with open arms and well integrated within the team.

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