Southend Council has signed up to a new Essex Police scheme to help employees who volunteer their time as specials spend more time policing in the community.

As part of the Employer Supported Policing Scheme scheme, council employees who are special constables will be released for eight hours each month from their paid day jobs to give back to their communities as Specials.

In addition, the council will also release staff in their paid roles for 10 days of the 20 day initial training course.

Special constable Andrew Mowatt works for Southend Council as a team leader in operations and contracts management and has volunteered his time as a Special for 21 years.

Andrew feels that being a Special helps him in his day job and the two roles go hand in hand. He said: “It helps my day job as being a Special makes me more aware of what is going on in my community. This benefits me in both my day job and volunteering role and the Employer Supported Policing scheme gives me the flexibility to go on duty in the day as I’m able to do it in during my work hours.”

John Lamb, leader of Southend Council, said: “Essex Police do phenomenal work throughout the county, particularly here in Southend, and a portion of this fine work is done by Special Constables, people who, with the right training, are able to give up their spare time to help protect local communities.

“This new scheme will allow us to provide the town with a new batch of Special Constables and by working closely with Essex Police, we can ensure we do all we can to keep our town safe.”

Superintendent Simon Anslow, Head of the Special Constabulary, said: “We’re delighted to be able to launch Employer Supported Policing with Southend-on-Sea Borough Council today. Over the last year more people have joined as a Special Constable in Essex than in any other force in the country and they’re making a massive difference to Essex communities.

“I started my service in Southend and have also worked here as District Commander, so I know how exciting and fulfilling it is to work in such a large and diverse town. I also know how committed Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is to making the town a great place to live, work and visit.

“Part of that is about helping people to be safe and feel safe in the town. The council’s commitment to Employer Supported Policing is a great step in our partnership and will provide participating individuals with new skills that will benefit them in their paid and voluntary roles alike. I hope that other employers see what Southend-on-Sea Borough Council are doing and take note. Employer Supported Policing is good for Southend and it’s good for Southenders.”

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “Special Constables come from all walks of life, from communities across our county and from a huge range of professions and backgrounds.

“Each of them, when they have done their training and put their uniform on, can make a significant contribution to policing in Essex. I want to see a Special in every community, working alongside full time officers to support the safe and secure communities we want across our county.

“Businesses and organisations who allow their staff time to be Specials should be commended and encouraged. They are supporting the community as well as giving their employees valuable skills which can enhance both their businesses and their employees’ own abilities.”

SC Andrew Mowatt said: "I have been a Special for 21 years.

"I wanted to help others and give something back to the community.

"I’m a team leader working in operations and contractors management for Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.

"It gives me the flexibility to go on duty in the day as I’m able to do it in during my work hours.

"It helps my day job as being a Special makes me more aware of what is going on in my community. This benefits me in both my day job and volunteering role.

"You never not know what is going to happen next! I’ve performed emergency first aid on people who have collapsed while waiting for the ambulance to turn up. This volunteering opportunity really is unique.

"I plan ahead every month and chose shifts that suit me.

"I say, go for it! Honestly, it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. Sometimes the help you give can be unappreciated but the police family that I have become a part of makes up for that. I do however get thanked by the full-time officers who I spend my shift supporting.

"After 21 years I still feel nervous about going to incidents ranging from domestic violence to mental health issues to public disorder but every single shift is a learning curve and every single shift being different is what makes it so enjoyable.

"There is nothing better than being able to help someone!"