The City of London Police have had Special Constables since at least 1911 when 1,648 were called for duty during docks strikes.
Current status
It consists of 62 special constables, the majority of whom are attached to the Uniformed Policing Directorate, and undertake duties during evenings and nights in support of the regular force in dealing with issues arising from the busy night-time economy of the City. However, other officers perform more specialist roles in the force's other directorates, including fraud investigation in the Economic Crime Directorate and control room operation in the Intelligence and Information Directorate. Many officers have specialist training and perform duties as response drivers, "Level 2" public order officers and cycle officers. As in all forces, special constables are expected to commit to a minimum of 200 hours' duty each year, and in return receive out-of-pocket expenses and free travel on the Transport for London network. They receive no pay. Officers switched to regular rank titles in 2006, and to regular rank insignia in 2013. The CLSC is led by the Chief Officer, one Special Chief Superintendent who is also the Deputy Chief Officer, three Special Superintendents, two Special Chief Inspectors, one Detective Special Chief Inspector, five Special Inspectors and a number of Special Sergeants including a Detective Special Sergeant. The previous Chief Officer, Special Commander Ian Miller, MBE, remains a warranted officer but on secondment to the College of Policing. Uniform and equipment is identical to that of regular police officers. Officers of the Honourable Artillery Company Detachment of Special Constabulary wear the title "HAC" when in formal uniform. Special Constables have four-digit collar numbers beginning 11 or 12, and Special Sergeants have four-digit collar numbers beginning 10. The CLSC were awarded the Ferrers Trophy in 2006 for the efforts of their officers after the 7 July 2005 London bombings. The award is given annually to police volunteers, for exceptional dedication and innovation. It was the first time in the award's history that an entire Special Constabulary received the trophy.
Ranks and Insignia
Honourable Artillery Company Detachment
In 1919, following a decision to increase the strength of the Metropolitan Police Reserve Force, the Home Secretary approached the Honourable Artillery Company to form a Division of Special Constabulary. Some 150 members, mostly Great War veterans, rallied to the call and joined the Division, forming the HAC Detachment. At the outbreak of the Second World War, the Detachment was integrated into G Division of the Metropolitan Police and then later with Islington Division. Following reorganisation, the Detachment is now part of the City of London Police Special Constabulary, its administrative base is Armoury House. In 2010, the Ferrers Trophy was awarded to Special Constable Patrick Rarden of the detachment for using his banking skills and experience to help train colleagues and provide invaluable assistance to solve fraud cases. 2019 - Detachment Management Team, Commmander S/Supt Peter Fitzgerald, Deputy Commander S/Insp Jeremy Wall, Staff Officer S/Sgt Sylvia Edwards, Drill Sgt & QM Detective S/Sgt Mark Wright
