Volunteer wins Special Constable of the Year award

Special constable Dave Christophers (pictured left alongside acting chief constable Jim Colwell) volunteered for more than 1,200 hours last year

A man has been recognised for his voluntary work supporting police in Cornwall.

Special constable Dave Christophers, of Truro, won the Special Constable of the Year award at the Police Annual Recognition Awards.

Over the last 12 months SC Christophers has given more than 1,200 hours of free time to his role, making 18 arrests and assisting in a further 20.

He has also attended 200 jobs in that time with the majority being emergency 999 calls from members of the public needing immediate assistance.

Special constables are volunteer officers who have the same powers and responsibilities as regular police.

'Huge impact'

Devon and Cornwall Police said SC Christophers is one of only two special constables across Cornwall to have received the highest level of speed detection training.

The force said his engagement with local people has seen 1,522 speeding drivers issued fines.

Special Supt Scott Kneebone said SC Christophers has had a "huge impact" since he joined the team two years ago.

“Dave’s interaction with the community has not only kept our roads safer by reprimanding speeding drivers, but has also increased local people’s confidence in our local officers thanks to the positive results his work has achieved.

“In the short time Dave has been with the team, he has made a huge impact within his local community.

“We are so lucky to have Dave on our team, and we are proud of the great work he has done, and continues to do, for the community.”, he added.