Public Servant Lifestyle

After serving the North East for 35 years, Douglas Knott's special work within Northumbria Police has been rewarded with an MBE.

The 60-year-old, who retired as Chief Commandant of the Special Constabulary earlier this year, was awarded the MBE by the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

Douglas, who lives in Hexham and owns two caravan parks, joined Northumberland Special Constabulary in July 1968, became the Divisional Commandant in 1985 and Force Commandant in 1994.

He attended the ceremony with his wife Dorothy, son Clive, daughter Shirley and son-in-law Tim Marland. Douglas said: "It was a really wonderful day, not just for myself but for my family who were with me. They were proud of me but I was equally proud of them when I saw them in the third row of the ballroom at Buckingham Palace.

"We travelled down the previous day by train and stayed at the Savoy Hotel before being chauffer-driven in a Rolls Royce to the Palace. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was totally out of the blue to receive the MBE and I feel immensely honoured. I share it with my family who have supported me as well as the officers of the Special Constabulary and the regular force. I miss the Special Constabulary and will always look back on my time with pride."

From 1992, Douglas campaigned with successive Home Secretaries on issues including a skills register, as well as proper insurance and compensation arrangements, which were put into place in 2000. He convened and organised the first national Special Constabulary Conference with 300 delegates in 1999 and helped subsequent events.

One of his proudest moments was when two Special Constables were highly commended by the Home Office Ferrers Trophy award and when officers based in South Tyneside won the team award in 2001.

Special Constables have to spend a basic four hours a week on duty and two hours a week training. The minimum commitment for the year is 130 hours duty and 70 hours training. Applicants should be 18½ or over, have a reasonable level of fitness and be of good character. It is not a paid post but expenses are provided.

For more information about the activities of the Special Constabulary, click here.

More information available in Incentives & Rewards