Special constables

A special constable or special police constable (SC or SPC) is a law enforcement officer.

Many police departments are complemented by a Special Constabulary which are referred to as special constables or informally as "specials". Special constables hold full police powers and hold the office of constable. Historically, and in different contexts, special constables have been paid or volunteer members of an ad hoc reserve force or a permanent auxiliary, and have ranged from unarmed patrols to armed paramilitaries.

In the Australian state of New South Wales, Special Constables may be appointed by a Magistrate or two Justices of the Peace where "tumult, riot, or serious indictable offence has taken place, or may be reasonably apprehended" and the Magistrate or Justices believe that "the ordinary Constables or officers appointed for preserving the peace are not sufficient for the preservation of the peace, and for the protection of the inhabitants and the security of their property, or for the apprehension of offenders". Special Constables, as appointed under the Police (Special Provisions) Act 1901, have the same powers as Constables of the New South Wales Police Force. Similar provisions apply in other Australian states.

Inspectors of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are generally appointed as Special Constables.

Members of police bands are also appointed as Special Constables.

State police stationed near their state borders are sometimes assigned the status of Special Constable in the neighbouring state to allow hot pursuit of offenders across state borders and lawful arrest on the other side.

Special Constables are also employed by various local government agencies in New South Wales including the RSPCA (Australia Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), local councils, RailCorp and NSW Health to enforce such laws such as cruelty to animals, parking, enforce railway laws and prevent disorder in certain circumstances. The NSW Police Force employs Special Constables as an armed internal security force. This special internal unit provides protective services to government departments such as the Premier's Office, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), the Governor of New South Wales and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). They also protect covert police locations and have a mobile rapid deployment team (MIST – Major Incident Security Team) with advanced firearms and defensive tactics training, for special assignments.

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Wikipedia