Special Constabulary Chief Officer Dale Cartwright
Dale became Chief Officer of the South Wales Police Special Constabulary in January 2012 and is proud to lead the force's volunteer police officers (special constables). At the time he was the youngest person to be appointed to this role throughout England and Wales.
Dale joined South Wales Police as a special constable in 2007 whilst studying at university. Passionate about community policing, he served as part of the neighbourhood policing team covering the Cynon Valley for over five years.
He is a winner of the force’s Specials Award for Distinction, the South-West Region’s Harry King Award for best individual special constable, and has received a Divisional Commander’s Commendation. He has previously served within force’s Police Support Unit (PSU) and is one of only two special constables in South Wales to train as a PSU Medic, where he has policed the many national and international events held in South Wales.
In 2010 he was promoted to the rank of Special Inspector for Merthyr and Cynon Valley. He took responsibility for the area's team of special constables and led policing operations targeting the concerns and priorities of the local community.
As Chief Officer Dale is responsible for the overall leadership and strategic direction of the Special Constabulary at a time when the contribution of special constables has increased from 11,000 hours in 2015 to over 72,000 hours in 2020. He has overseen the deployment of special constables across South Wales during major events including the London 2012 Olympics and the Champions League Final.
Dale studied Medical Science and Humanities at Swansea University, obtaining a first-class honours degree. He went on to complete a degree in Medicine at Cardiff University and has a Postgraduate Certificate in Leadership for the Health Professions.
Dale has also volunteered with St John Ambulance Cymru for over 20 years and is currently the County Clinical Manager for Mid Glamorgan. In 2018 he was admitted as an Officer of the Order of St John in recognition of his contribution to the charity.
Dale works as a specialty doctor in anaesthetics. He is married and has two young daughters.