Two Gloucestershire Special Constabulary officers have been recognised for contributing more than 5,155 hours of voluntary service to policing and communities across the county.
Special Sergeant Reuben Watt and Special Constable Cameron Blacker were presented with Certificates for Meritorious Service at a Lord Lieutenant’s Awards ceremony. The certificates were presented personally by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant in recognition of what Gloucestershire Constabulary described as their exceptional dedication and outstanding contribution.
Reuben Watt recognised for leadership and prevention work
Special Sgt Watt began volunteering with the West Midlands Police Special Constabulary in 2021 before transferring to Gloucestershire in 2023. He has since given more than 2,305 hours to the Special Constabulary and policing in the county, alongside his full-time job with EDF Energy.
Based in Cheltenham, Sgt Watt has helped arrange operations and volunteers for Project Vigilant deployments in the town. The preventative initiative works in the night-time economy, aiming to tackle perpetrator behaviour before a crime is committed.
The force said his knowledge of policing operations had been invaluable. It also credited his open and empowering leadership style with reinvigorating teams in Cheltenham and Tewkesbury, contributing to greater independence among volunteers and a marked increase in the hours they dedicate to neighbourhood policing.
Sgt Watt was nominated for the award in recognition of his service, leadership and commitment. Speaking after receiving it, he said: “It was an honour to be recognised for this award. I’m proud to do what I do, a break from my day job, in which I can serve the community that I live in.”
Cameron Blacker’s service in Gloucestershire
Special Constable Cameron Blacker first joined the Avon and Somerset Police Special Constabulary in 2015 and transferred to Gloucestershire in 2018. After taking time away, he re-joined in 2019 and has continued to volunteer in support of local communities.
SC Blacker has completed advanced learning in five core areas of policing practice, giving him Qualified Special Constable status. He has contributed more than 2,850 voluntary hours to the Gloucestershire Special Constabulary.
He is based on response in Gloucester, where the force said his operational knowledge, training and experience have made him a highly respected officer. His professionalism, competence and calm approach on shift were also highlighted in the award nomination.
Alongside his volunteering, SC Blacker works full-time as a member of police staff. Gloucestershire Constabulary said that role provides transferable skills which strengthen his voluntary operational work.
His duties have included supporting neighbourhood policing operations, as well as helping the confidence and wellbeing of colleagues. He was nominated for his voluntary service, leadership and dedication to fellow officers and the wider community.
After receiving the certificate, SC Blacker said: “I’m delighted to receive this recognition, but it’s very much a team effort. The wider Special Constabulary and the full-time officers I work alongside in Gloucester response deserve huge credit too; their support and teamwork make all the difference.”
Recognition for community service
Chief Inspector James Wyatt said the awards recognised two volunteers who had made a significant contribution to policing and community safety. He described their work as demonstrating compassion, resilience and a strong commitment to public service, adding that their efforts had had a lasting impact on colleagues and communities.
“This award recognises two exceptional volunteers who have made a significant contribution to policing and community safety. As Special Constables, they consistently go above and beyond, demonstrating compassion, resilience and an unwavering commitment to public service. Their efforts have had a lasting impact on colleagues and communities alike, and we are incredibly proud of all they have achieved.”
The Lord Lieutenant’s Awards are described as among the highest regional honours. They recognise people whose dedication and service make a difference to their communities and to the nation.
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, Edward Gillespie, presented the certificates to both officers at Imjin Barracks on Thursday, October 22. The ceremony took place the previous week, according to the report published on November 5.
Gloucestershire Police is currently accepting expressions of interest from people considering becoming Special Constables. Information about the role and what it involves is available through the force’s Special Constabulary recruitment page.
