Do something Special – Shane did!

Shane O’Neill is a valued volunteer police Special Sergeant for Humberside Police as part of the Special Constabulary.  He has a passion to protect and prevent wildlife crime. On Saturday 4 December he was awarded a commendation by the coveted National Wildlife Crime Unit under the Wildlife Crime Enforcer of the Year category.       

Special Sergeant O’Neill’s was commended for his passion about policing rural communities and for taking on the responsibility of co-ordinating and leading Night Poaching patrols across his division.

As well as his own general patrolling hours, he has led eight poaching nights of action with co-ordinated targeted patrols of around 6-8 special constables each evening.

His knowledge and experience in this very specialised area of policing is evident by his enforcement of night poaching and hunting offences.

Shane was praised for his commitment to see an investigation through from initial enforcement to achieving a full prosecution. His knowledge, commitment, leadership and passion are an absolute credit to Humberside Police.

Sadly Shane was not able to collect his award in person and Sergeant Jenna Jones recieved it on his behalf.

Superintendent Paul French said, “There are some fantastic volunteers both within Humberside Police and beyond – working with organisations and charities across our communities, so to have one of our Special Constabulary colleagues commended by the National Wildlife Unit is truly outstanding.

“As a Special Constable, Shane has all of the same powers and wears the same uniform as a full time officer but he does it all on a voluntary basis in his own time, alongside working a full time job.

“Shane’s is truly dedicated to his voluntary work and to protecting our native wildlife and our rural communities as shown through the work for which is he commended.”

“Well done Shane, you thoroughly deserve this award. Thank you on behalf of the whole community for the incredible work that you and your colleagues do.”

Are you interested in a volunteer role as a Special Constable, serving communities all across the force area? You can fill in our Expression of Interest form and we will alert you when our recruitment window opens: https://www.humberside.police.uk/recruitment-form

You can find out more about the role here: https://www.wearehumbersidespecials.co.uk/