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Business bobbies scheme praised
A SCHEME which sees business staff double up as special constables has been labelled a success.
One year after the launch, police in Colchester and Tendring have praised the work of the specials and the impact they have had in the community.
Businesses which sign up to the scheme release employees from regular duties to take part in an initial three-week intensive training course.
The employee is then let off work for one day a month to patrol the community.
Damien Keane is being hailed as one of the initative's success stories.
Mr Keane works for Morgan Ashurst as site supervisor, but has also signed up as part of Business Watch to be a special constable.
Since training as a special constable, he has had hands-on action in improving his community. In February, he joined regular officers in carrying out an evening drugs raid at a Colchester property.
He observed the property in plain clothes, helped with the initial entry and provided security for the search team.
A man was arrested for varying offences after drugs and CS gas canisters were found in the property.
"I enjoyed making a positive contribution as back-up to the regular police," he said.
"Helping the regulars in this type of operation was a fantastic opportunity and gave me lots of experience which will all help in my normal duties as a special constable. I find it very rewarding to help keep the community safe."
Bob Ensch, Morgan Ashurst area director, said: "We are very proud of Damien's contribution to a successful drugs raid as part of his voluntary work as a special constable and we are very pleased to be assisting the safety of our local community."
Tendring district commander, Chief Inspector Jon Hayter, who helped set up the scheme, said: "Damien is a clear example of how members of the community, supported by their employers, can have an impact on crime and disorder. Becoming a Business Special enables local people and employers to become empowered to do something about the issues we all want to impact on."
If you or your business is interested in joining the Business Specials scheme, contact Lyndsey Howard at Colchester police station on 0300 333 4444.
6:47pm Wednesday 14th May 2008
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