Information on Loughborough

Special Constable from Charnwood wins the 2008 David Saville Trophy

Posted on 19/01/2009

Special Constable from Charnwood wins the 2008 David Saville Trophy

A Special Police Constable from Charnwood as been awarded the 2008 David Saville Trophy in recognition of his voluntary contribution to Leicestershire Constabulary.

24year old Phil Roberts became a Special two years ago in January 2007.  A little over a year later (March 2008) he became an Acting Section Officer based at Charnwood Local Policing Unit, a role equivalent to Sergeant in the regular Force.  He is a member of the ‘200 Hours Club which is made up of SPCs whos volunteer more than the minimum number of recommended hours each month.

The purpose of the Saville Trophy is to recognise the way in which Special Constables bring their abilities, talents and qualities to the assistance of the regular police and the community. The trophy was donated by Mr David Saville, former Chairman of the Police Authority. The winner is then put forward as the Forces Representative for the National Ferrers Trophy.

Sergeant Marcus Lee, who nominated Phil for the award, said; "Since Phil joined Charnwood Local Policing Unit he has shown enormous dedication to his voluntary commitments.  Not only does he work full time as a sales assistant in Loughborough, he works as a Special and is a member of the Loughborough Town Centre Partnership which is a voluntary forum dedicated to reducing crime and disorder. 

"When Phil became Acting Section Officer at Syston, he reinvigorated the team of Special officers based here and has motivated and organised them to work as a team on problem areas such as tackling anti-social behaviour in Birstall.   Under his leadership and guidance the number of hours worked by Specials has gone up and three officers have transferred from other stations because they wanted to work under his leadership.  There is no doubt that he has had an extremely positive influence on Charnwood Special Constabulary and I am delighted that his work has been recognised by being awarded the Saville Trophy."

Acting Section Officer, Phil Roberts, said; "The main reason I became a Special was to get an insight into policing because I was thinking about joining the regular force.  I am now in the process of applying.  I really enjoy the role, because it is exciting and very diverse.  One minute you can be offering reassurance and support to a victim of crime and the next you can find yourself having to deal with a confrontational situation.

"Since I took over as Acting Section Officer at Charnwood the number of Special Constables has increased from 11 to 19 and since February 2008 they have contributed two thousand one hundred hours to policing which is the equivalent to one full time officer every day.   We work as a team  and are dedicated to a neighbourhood and make anti-social behaviour and public order our priority which can have a great impact on the quality of life of local residents.

"I was really surprised when I heard I had won, I am chuffed to bits to be honest, but I couldnt have done it without the help and support of both regular officers and the Specials who work with me in the team."

North Area Chief Superintendent, Daimon Tilley, said; "Phil is a superb officer who works very hard, I fully supported his nominated and am delighted he was won."