Dorset Police special constable wins national award for dedication to police volunteering
Special Constable Paul Brown has been awarded the Ferrers Special Constabulary Individual Award at the Lord Ferrers Awards, which took place on Wednesday 26 November 2025.
Hosted by the Home Office, the Lord Ferrers annual awards are open to a wide range of police volunteers across the UK and recognise the outstanding contribution of volunteers in policing.
This award recognises special constables who have demonstrated a sustained and significant contribution to policing and the communities they serve.
Dorset Police Special Constabulary Chief Officer Ryan Howell said: “Paul is the epitome of what it means to be a special constable. He has a huge amount of dedication and skill, which he brings to help keep the people of Dorset safe.
“In Dorset, the Special Constabulary was formed in 1855. We are now lucky to have over 70 volunteer police officers who gave over 25,000 hours last year to support our regular colleagues in all aspects of policing.
“Paul’s contribution is remarkable not just for its volume, but for its impact. Paul also has another role within another emergency service. It is not uncommon for him to be on police duty into the early hours of the morning, only for colleagues to later encounter him hours later in his other emergency service role.
“Paul’s professionalism, compassion and commitment to public service make him a very worthy winner of this award.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “As a special constable, Paul’s exceptional commitment to policing and public service in general is remarkable.
“Dorset’s Special Constabulary is a vital part of our organisation; I truly value all they do for Dorset Police, and the residents of this county and Paul clearly epitomises the incredible and often lifesaving work they do.
“I am pleased Paul’s outstanding service has been recognised at this level, and I thank him for his tireless dedication to this role.”
Dorset Police are accepting expressions of interest to join the Special Constabulary, if you have what it takes and would like to make a real difference to your community, visit the Dorset Police website to find out more: Special Constables - Who, What, How and Why - Dorset Police and Devon & Cornwall Police working in Partnership
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