Special Search is on for 127 Policing Volunteers

Currently, there are 203 Specials in the county, but both the Chief Constable and the Commissioner are hoping to see the numbers increase to 330 by this time next year. A recruitment campaign is already underway. 

Activities lined up for this weekend include events which the Specials routinely help to patrol and  police such as rave prevention patrols in Central Bedfordshire on Friday and Saturday evening; Luton Football on Saturday; and Operation HOGG on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There will also be a ‘scenario weekend’ for the new intake on Saturday.

Last year the Police & Crime Commissioner, Olly Martins, allocated £115k from his Community Safety Fund to finance costs such as equipment, uniform and training for 46 more Special Constables. “The impressive and tangible results that they have achieved show that this money was well spent – and I hope to be able to provide further financial support this year,” he said.

Although Special Constables are unpaid, many of them speak of the satisfaction they gain from volunteering, Mr Martins commented. “The training and work they do also provides them with valuable opportunities for personal and professional development which can be a spring-board to a new career.”

Volunteering around four hours of their time a week, they serve alongside regular police officers and share the same powers. Training is on-going, but initially covers Law, self-defence, first aid and conflict/threat management. This training can take place over eight weeks on two evenings a week and three weekends or a two-week intensive course Monday to Friday 8-5pm and one weekend. Information about how to apply to become a Special is available on Bedfordshire Police’s website.

People interested in joining the Specials can find out more at

http://www.bedfordshire.police.uk/about_us/careers/special_constables.aspx