Last updated at 11:22, Wednesday, 13 February 2013

A COPELAND special sergeant, formerly of Barrow, has been crowned as Cumbria Constabulary Special of the year.

Nick Oliver, of Copeland Neighbourhood Policing Team, had been nominated by his colleagues for his dedication and commitment to policing the local community.

The Special Constabulary is a team of volunteers who have the same powers as regular police officers, and who support the police.

Nick, who has been a Special Constable since 2010, was based in Barrow before moving to West Cumbria.

Sgt Oliver said: “I am extremely proud and delighted that I have been nominated and awarded the Special Constable of the year award; I fully enjoy my volunteer role with Cumbria Constabulary, supporting operational policing”.

Sgt Oliver always had ambitions to join the regular constabulary and will be fulfilling this dream when he joins Cumbria Police Officer on March 11.

He added: “Cumbria Special Constabulary is a must for anyone considering a career in the police. I would love to work on the roads policing unit in the future as this has always been my favourite part of policing.”

Chief Inspector Mairi Stamper, West Cumbria, who nominated Nick for the award said: “Nick has been inventive in resolving issues including leading on licensing and roads policing operations. I am pleased that this award has been announced during the Community Police Week because it highlights the work Special Constables do for the community in which they are based.

“His enthusiasm and commitment to policing in West Cumbria is for all to see and he thoroughly deserves this award”

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Richard Rhodes said: “The Special Constabulary are an important part of policing in Cumbria and this is reflected in the award to Sergeant Nick Oliver. I look forward to welcoming Nick as a Police Constable in March.”

Anyone interested in becoming a Special Constable should visit Cumbria Police’s website: www.cumbria.police.uk.

First published at 15:55, Tuesday, 12 February 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk