37 new Special Constables join Greater Manchester Police 

GMP's 37 new constables

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) welcomed 37 new Special Constables at a ceremony at Sedgley Park Chapel on Monday 4th November. 

The ceremony was attended by GMP Chief Superintendent Stuart Ellison, officiating magistrate Joan Cooper and Special Constabulary Chief Officer Mike Walmsley as well as the new recruits friends and family. 

The attestation marks the end of the recruits five month training programme and the start of their volunteer role, giving at least four hours a week of their free time to assisting GMP officers in serving local communities and preventing crime. 

All special constables share the same powers as regular officers, including the power of arrest.

The new recruits all have their own reasons for joining the Special Constabulary and their skills and life experiences to bring to the role. 

Ayesha Clemmett-Patel who has been posted to Bolton, has joined the Specials just six-months after welcoming her baby girl into the world because she has always wanted to work for the police and give back to her community in a proactive way. 

She found the training programme refreshing and exciting, particularly meeting new people who share similar ambitions. 

Louis Papadopoulos has been posted to Stockport, the town he was born in.

Louis has been part of the GMP family from an early age, joining the GMP Volunteer Police Cadets aged 14. 

He hopes that this past experience, such as taking part in crime prevention events with local neighbourhood teams, will stand him in good stead for the role ahead. 

Bethany-Marie Atkinson has joined the Specials in order to make a difference. Currently working as a dance teacher and in a shop, Bethany-Marie struggled to find a career that she really enjoyed; however after completing her Specials training, she has managed to find her real passion and made some great friends along the way. She will be posted to Bolton. 

GMP Chief Superintendent Stuart Ellison said, “Special Constables play an integral role in policing Greater Manchester. Their contribution in preventing and reducing crime, as well as building links with local communities, is really appreciated and valued by both the Force and members of the public.

“They cannot be applauded highly enough for their commitment and dedication to keeping Greater Manchester and its communities safe.

“It’s great to see our new recruits from a range of backgrounds so keen and committed to using their skills and experience to help protect our communities. I wish them all the best of luck.“

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.