Special constables thanked for disorder role in east of England
Special constables in the east of England have been praised for their role during incidents of public disorder in the region in August.
The 2,200 specials from Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk provided almost 20,000 hours of support to officers.
Nigel Green, specials co-ordinator, said the volunteer officers had made 70 arrests during the disorder.
He added regular forces would have been "stretched" without their assistance.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hopkins, eastern region specials lead, said: "The number of hours [the specials] contributed was outstanding and their regional support was invaluable."
During the disorder, special constables carried out front-line duties and provided "reassurance patrols" in their local communities.