Volunteer Week - North East

As part of National Volunteers Week, Special Constables (SPCs) across the North East continued to work to support their communities.

The week, which ran from Monday, 2 to Sunday, 8 June, 2025, saw a number of SPCs working alongside officers in various areas. 

Special Constable Lahiru Dissanayaka, based in Aberdeen City Centre, completed a shift in the city on Wednesday, 4 June, 2025.

He said: “I have been a Special Constable since October last year and am really enjoying it so far.

“The role is very diverse and you get to do so many different things. 

“There is a lot to learn and everyone I have worked with has been approachable.”

Special Constable Niall Fletcher has been an SPC for two decades. He has continued to embrace new skills and technology in the role and on Thursday, 5 and Friday, 6 June, took part in mobile device training.

He said: “There is a lot I have done in my time as an SPC and there is a lot of teamwork and community engagement. I have been able to help not only colleagues but also local people across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

“Being an SPC, as well as working in my own job, takes time but it is very rewarding.” 

SPC Stephen Booth worked alongside colleagues in Inverurie on the late shift on Friday, 6 June.

He went out on patrol as part of work to engage with the community.

He said: “Being a Special Constable and being out in the community I live and work in is very rewarding. I have lived in the area for around 40 years and it’s good to have that rapport with local people.

“Having been a victim of an assault seven years ago, this is one of the reasons I became a Special Constable. I work to prevent people being in a position where this happens and I can be a voice of empathy having been in that situation. 

“And for me, being a Special Constable means helping to show that the police aren’t just there to catch bad guys – we are here to help.”

Inspector Gareth Hannan said: “We would like to thank our Special Constables for their continued efforts and support. 

“They dedicate their time, not only for Volunteer Week, but throughout the year. Their contributions are highly valued and make a positive difference to the communities in which they work.

“SPCs show great dedication and deserve great recognition for their work.”

Further information on how to apply to become a Special Constable can be found on the Police Scotland website - https://www.scotland.police.uk/recruitment/special-constables