The 2008 Star Woman of the Year will be crowned this week. In the build-up to the ceremony, we are profiling one of our eight finalists each day. Today we turn the spotlight on one of Britain’s longest-serving special constables. 

Most people in Bridgnorth know Pam Becke. Not only is she one of Britain’s longest-serving special constables, she’s a woman who passionately believes in the traditional values of the old village bobby and their place in today’s society.

Since joining the force at the tender age of 20, she has chalked up more than 40 years’ service as a “special”, earning awards at both a local and national level.

Last year she was highly commended at the Special Constables and Police Support Volunteers Awards Ferrers Trophy in London, and also walked off with the High Sheriff Trophy at West Mercia’s Quality People awards ceremony for people who made “the most outstanding contribution to the work of the force”.

The citation said: “With over 40 years as a special, Pamela has made a sustained and valuable contribution to the effective policing in her community and has addressed a number of anti-social behaviour problems, drink driving and vandalism.

“This officer’s work has made a clear impact on improving the quality of life for visitors and residents alike by combating crime in the locality.”

Throughout her time in this voluntary role, Pam has given up many weekends going out on patrol with colleagues in support of regular police officers.

She’s also played an active part in promoting police work around Bridgnorth, helping teach cycling proficiency to primary school children, visiting brownie groups to talk about stranger-danger issues and visiting local schools to chat about the role of the police.

Her eldest daughter, 32-year-old Clare, suffers from cerebral palsy, and away from the beat Pam is a volunteer for the Bridgnorth Beavers group supporting disabled children.

Although she retired from the specials earlier this autumn, Pam continues to assist the police through her work as Bridgnorth’s CCTV camera co-ordinator, as well as enjoying her interests in gardening and athletics – she’s a member of both Bridgnorth and Telford athletics club, and a qualified track referee.

By Features Editor Carl Jones