Auditors

[Rocket + 6,403]

Durham is making sure its volunteer officers can access help without having to pay for it.

Durham Special Constabulary Chief Officer Dale Checksfield says the move shows specials are valued

A force has decided to pay for injury and mental health rehabilitation for its special constables.

Durham Constabulary recently covered the costs of SC Peter Hetherington’s treatment at the unit in Auchterarder, Perth.

The special, the first from an English force to be treated there, had detached and severed his ankle ligaments while trying to arrest a drunk and abusive man in Durham town centre.

He had an operation to reconstruct the joint and needed three months off work.

The Police Treatment Centres offers rehabilitation to serving and retired officers, specials, PCSOs and detention officers in the north of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, British Transport Police, Civil Nuclear and Ministry of Defence Police.

To be eligible for treatment, personnel need to make regular contributions of about £1.30 per week.

But the north east force has agreed to cover the costs of specials’ treatment at no charge to the individuals themselves.

Regulars still have to pay in for treatment, but they are also covered for injuries picked up off duty.

Retired officers need to pay 65p per week.

Durham specials’ Chief Officer Dale Checksfield said: “The physical and mental wellbeing of our staff, including special constables, is a high priority for Durham Constabulary.

"Special constables operating on the frontline face the same risks as their paid counterparts and in the unfortunate event that they are injured in the execution of their duty it is only right that they are afforded the same rehabilitative care.

"This latest step forward strengthens an already strong bond between Durham and PTCs and will ensure our special constables have the confidence that the contributions they make are valued."

The force says it has worked with HMRC to ensure there is no tax liability for the specials from being part of the scheme.

SC Hetherington is the first volunteer officer from England or Wales to receive treatment at the PTCs. Specials, along with PCSOs and detention officers, were only made eligible to get help from there in January.

In a statement he said: "The treatment here has been fantastic and just as importantly I now have so many pointers to take away with me to keep my rehabilitation going."

The PTCs hope other forces will follow Durham's lead on the issue.

http://www.policeoracle.com/news/special_constabulary/2016/Dec/21/constabulary-to-pay-for-specials--treatment_93729.html

[ForceHQ 117]

That's decent, I'd also wager its worthwhile paying the minimal fee required to be able to access it. I understand that if you do use it, you get your money back fairly quickly.

[bikerider 5]

Good for them. Let us hope it catches on with other forces too..

[Zulu 22 + 4,630]

It makes sense as the Police Convalescent homes are amongst the best in the country, with the best treatment. I have only been to St Georges at Harrogate but have seen people hobble in on crutches and after 2 weeks they have walked out co0mpletely different people, irrespective of the lunch time Kangaroo Court system answering charges trumped up by other residents.

Why are they so successful, because you can have the appointment treatment in the morning with the afternoons free for extra sessions as and when required.

There is really very little extra cost, the facilities exist, the staff exist and you can only go if there is a vacancy. The only extra cost might be on the meals side. If there are vacancies it makes financial sense to fill them.

Edited January 16, 2017 by Zulu 22