A special constable who consistently goes the extra mile to help others has been recognised for his “exemplary” work.
Special constables have the same power, uniform and responsibilities as regular paid police officers but volunteer on a part-time basis.
They take part in frontline police work, spending much of their time on the streets, doing intelligence-based patrols in crime hotspots or taking part in crime-prevention initiatives.
SC Carl Towner joined Nottinghamshire’s Special Constabulary in 2021 and has assisted officers on numerous occasions, volunteering up to 30 hours of his time every month.
On one evening alone, he had just helped two people with mental health problems get back to their warden-assisted hostel when a woman collapsed from a drugs overdose in a nearby street.
SC Towner arrived at the scene within moments and administered vital first-aid, whilst providing reassurance to onlookers and keeping them calm. He was then able to provide a high quality brief to the attending paramedic.
By giving up his spare time to assist in incidents such as these, SC Towner has played a vital role in keeping people safe and he was crowned Special Constable of the Year at the Nottinghamshire Police Force Awards, held on 30 June.
He was nominated by Special Inspector Michael Hobson, who said:
“SC Towner has consistently been an officer that displays the qualities we crave in our Specials.
“His attitude with colleagues is always inspirational, and his professionalism and demeanour with the wider community on duty is exemplary.
“Duties with SC Towner are always busy – some might say he’s a magnet – but the enthusiasm and energy he brings to the role is beyond admirable.
“On several occasions he has shown a willingness to go the extra mile for people and the fact he does this whilst having a career, a home life and a further volunteer role in Scouting shows what a unique set of abilities he has.”
SC Towner (left) was nominated by Special Inspector Michael Hobson (right)
The nomination was supported by Special Chief Inspector Gareth Howell, who said:
“In addition to everything else, SC Towner has quietly taken on an unofficial mentoring role for other new specials, helping to guide them through how to speak and deal with the public to ensure that we deliver an outstanding public service to all the communities of Nottingham.
“I have witnessed him working hard to encourage specials both on division and during events to deliver an outstanding service in a calm and professional manner. His work is never anything short of exemplary.”
SC Towner said he was delighted to win the award. He said:
“I feel mildly embarrassed but also chuffed to be recognised in this way.
“I was inspired to become a Special because I want people to come into Nottingham, feel safe and have a great time – at any time of the day or night.
“I like to be able to chat to folk, explain what is going on when necessary, and leave them with a positive regard of the police and of Nottingham.
“When I started as a Special, I thought it maybe a crazy thing for me to do – but I’ve enjoyed every moment and that’s why I’m still here.”
