The college, which already encourages student members of its innovative Police Academy to volunteer as Specials, has joined the Employer Supported Policing initiative to inspire staff to become Special Constables.
The partnership will mean active support from CRC for staff who become Specials, including time for duties and training.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hopkins said the college’s support for the scheme would cement its relationship with the force.
“The college’s fantastic Police Academy already demonstrates really positive work between the college and the Constabulary and this initiative takes us on to another level. We are delighted that CRC has become one of the first colleges in the country, and the first in the county, to support the Special Constabulary in such a positive way,” he said.
CRC principal Anne Constantine said the scheme would be a big benefit to the community.
“The college is delighted with its partnership with the Cambridgeshire Constabulary. The students are benefitting hugely from working with the police through our Police Academy and many of them will be applying for the Special Constabulary,” she said.
“We will now be facilitating staff participation in a scheme which will benefit everyone – the individual, the college and the community.”
Victor Kerlin, Head of Cambridgeshire Special Constabulary, said the scheme was a great opportunity for employers and their staff to help keep communities safe while improving individual skills.
“It is a partnership between Cambridgeshire employers and Cambridgeshire Constabulary providing police training for staff, contributing directly to the security of staff and premises, building police relationships and directly helping to make Cambridgeshire safe,” he said.
“I am absolutely delighted that we have entered this partnership with Cambridge Regional College and I really look forward to seeing members of staff and students becoming members of the Cambridgeshire Special Constable and playing an important role in helping to safeguarding their communities.”
Image: ACC Mark Hopkins presents a Certificate of Participation to CRC Principal Anne Constantine, watched by members of the college’s student Police Academy
*******
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
For more information, please contact Lynn O’Shea, Cambridge Regional College Press Officer, on 01223 418773 or email loshea@camre.ac.uk
__________________________________________________