Norfolk's PCC congratulates Head of Special Constabulary on MBE.
Norfolk's PCC has congratulated the head of Norfolk's Special Constabulary who has been rewarded for more than 22 years commitment to the force after receiving an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Special Chief Officer Darren Taylor joined the ranks of the Specials at the age of 24 and 22 years on he still dons the uniform to serve his community, while working full time managing a range of change programmes for a regional news and magazine publisher.
Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Giles Orpen-Smellie has offered his congratulations to Mr Taylor for the award, which has been given in recognition of Services to Policing and the Community of Norfolk.
Commenting on receiving the prestigious accolade, Mr Taylor said: “It’s an absolute honour, and very humbling to be recognised for something that I enjoy doing and get so much out of.
“My experience in the Special Constabulary wouldn’t be what it is without all my colleagues, both volunteers and regulars, who do an excellent job serving the communities of Norfolk.”
Mr Taylor started his career in Norwich, serving as a Special Constable and a Special Sergeant. He served communities in the city for more than 10 years before various postings on promotion across Broadland and South Norfolk. He later took on the role of Special Superintendent and as Deputy Chief Officer, before being made Chief Officer three years ago.
He added: “I’ve enjoyed every moment of it and can’t believe where the time has gone, there has been so many highlights which alongside operational policing included work within the community and police service supporting the LGBT+ community and inclusion across all areas of diversity and equality.
“They say policing is a role like no other, and that is true, no two shifts are the same, plus on a more personal front, I have made friends for life and gained some invaluable skills. While policing can be tough at times, it’s so rewarding to make a tangible difference to others and I would highly recommend it both as a ‘career’ special and an insight in to the role of a regular officer. I’m very proud of everyone in the Norfolk Police family who do an excellent job serving our communities. The skills and dedication of the combined team makes such a difference.”
Commenting on the award, PCC Giles Orpen-Smellie said: “I am just over a month into the role of PCC and I am continually impressed by the dedication and hard work of people in every part of the Constabulary.
“It is fantastic that one of our Norfolk Special Constabulary team is being recognised in this way. This MBE for Darren sends a strong message about just how valuable specials are and how much they contribute to their communities.
“By giving this award to Darren, it is also recognising the brilliant work of the county’s team of Specials and all that they do and achieve under his leadership.”
Norfolk Constabulary's Deputy Chief Constable Paul Sanford said: “This award is truly deserved. Darren has served the Special Constabulary for so many years and is a fine example to all those who devote their time and energy in supporting regular officers in meeting the policing needs of the community.
“I would like to congratulate him on the award and hope it serves as an encouragement for anyone considering joining the ranks of the Special Constabulary which is an extremely rewarding role.”
The Special Constabulary is a voluntary body to help the regular police force. Their roles include providing highly visibility patrols and helping police major incidents and events.
Anyone interested in joining the Special Constabulary can visit the Norfolk Constabulary website at www.norfolk.police.uk or for an informal chat about the role call 01953 425699 ext 2373.