Recognising the fantastic work of our Special Constables

Message from Humberside Police:

The work of Humberside Police’s Special Constabulary has been recognised at the annual Keith Binks Awards ceremony which took place on Wednesday 23 February.

The ceremony is named after long-serving Special Constable, Keith Binks, who served in Cottingham until 1987. Whilst on duty, Keith was assaulted and decided to use his compensation money to fund the ‘Keith Binks Trophy’, which is given to the Special Constable of the year and has been awarded annually to a Humberside Special ever since.

Special Constables are fully-warranted officers who undertake their roles on a part-time, voluntary basis across our Force area.

The event saw officers awarded long-service achievements of between 10 and 30 years. Excellent police work across Community Policing teams and within specialist roles in the force were also awarded, with both individuals and teams being recognised for their work during 2021.

This year’s overall winner of the Keith Binks Trophy, which has been presented annually since 1985, was Special Sergeant Stephen Robinson, who is based with the Marine Unit.

Having initially joined the Special Constabulary 15 years ago based in Withernsea, Steve has worked for over seven years now as part of the Marine team and has achieved a number of specialist qualifications enabling him to be an integral part of the Unit’s operations.

Special Constabulary Chief Officer John Philip said: “These awards are presented to officers who have been nominated by their peers and colleagues across the force and it’s always inspiring to read the nominations that detail the outstanding work the team do throughout the year.

“We’ve recognised teams and officers in very specialist roles, those young in service and those working in Community Teams. We also presented long-service certificates to officers who have completed 10, 15 and in two cases, 30 years service to local communities. Having families here to celebrate that commitment is particularly important as they also give so much in allowing their loved ones to be away working with us so often.”

Chief Constable Lee Freeman said: “Congratulations to Stephen, a great examples of how our Special Constables get involved in roles across all of our commands and develop specialist skills. Well done to all of the award recipients and as always a huge thank you to our Special Constables colleagues for all of the work they do to support our communities, it really is invaluable.     

“We’ve recognised teams and officers in very specialist roles, those young in service and those working in Community Teams. We also presented long-service certificates to officers who have completed 10, 15 and in two cases, 30 years’ service to local communities. Having families here to celebrate that commitment is particularly important as they also give so much in allowing their loved ones to be away working with us so often.”