An off-duty Special Constable intervened to stop a drink-driver in Hemel Hempstead.
Special Constable Amanda Bonds was driving through the town when she witnessed a vehicle swerving, braking erratically, and posing a clear danger to the public.
Suspecting the driver was under the influence, she immediately called 999, provided updates to the control room and followed the car at a safe distance until officers could attend.
The vehicle entered the local leisure park, where it narrowly avoided several parked cars and pedestrians. SC Bonds stepped in on foot, identified herself as a police officer and brought the vehicle to a stop, safeguarding the occupants until Hemel Response officers arrived. The driver was arrested, the car was seized and the passengers taken safely home.
Michael Tewiah, aged 39, of Stanborough Avenue, Borehamwood, was subsequently charged with drink-driving, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and using a vehicle without insurance.
He appeared at St Albans Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, February 3 where he pleaded guilty to the offences. Tewiah was disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for 21 months and was fined £365.
Special Constable Bonds said: “Even when we’re off duty, our priority is always the safety of the public. When I saw the way the vehicle was being driven, it was clear that someone could get seriously hurt.
“The training we receive as Special Constables stays with you in all aspects of life, and in that moment it guided everything I did: gathering information, keeping the control room updated and stepping in to prevent further danger. I’m glad that nobody was injured and that we were able to secure a positive outcome.”
Special Constables volunteer their time and skills to help keep communities safe, often going above and beyond both on and off duty. They are highly trained and have the same powers as regular police officers.
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