Wiltshire Police has opened recruitment today (Tuesday 23 October 2018) for more special constables to join the Force.

Special constables are volunteer police officers who have the same powers and wear the same uniform as regular officers. The force hopes to find people who will offer their skills and experience from across business and industry in support of policing.

Assistant Chief Constable Gavin Williams, Wiltshire Police lead for Citizens in Policing, said: “Volunteering is part of the fabric of policing across the country, and a way of giving something back to the community you live in.

“Through a full training programme and in-role experience, Specials learn valuable new skills and gain experience, whist volunteering in a unique environment.

“Our Special Constabulary integrates into Community Police Teams, working closely with regular officers to provide high quality frontline policing.

“Improvements in communication and confidence are just two of the changes organisations tell us they see in their employees when they have completed their training as a special constable, along with many other skills which can be transferred back into the workplace.

“During the last two years we have updated and changed the way we support the Special Constabulary, and continue to commit to improving opportunities for our special constables.

“In 2017 Specials gave 73,058 hours to Wiltshire, and only last month they gave 6,830 hours, the highest number of hours given this year.

“Our Specials are an integral and valued part of our police force; they make a real difference in reducing crime, and make a real difference to our communities.”

Special Superintendent Rachel Oaten, who leads the Special Constabulary, said: “Winston Churchill said we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

“This quote truly reflects the nature of the volunteers in our Special Constabulary who give their time so freely in support of policing.

“As a special constable of 15 years I thank policing for the skills and experience it has given me, along with training and leadership which has helped me to progress with my own personal career development.

“Wiltshire Police are an organisation which truly recognises and understands the added value of volunteers.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson, who has significantly invested in the Special Constabulary over the past two years and continues to offer his commitment and support, said: “The community play an important role in policing and it is only right that we should look for more opportunities for the public to become involved in volunteer roles.

“As Specials the public will not be able to distinguish between you and a regular officer, but as a police force you enable us to build better links with the community, to become more representative of the community and better understand the community.

“I would encourage anyone who wants to give something back to their community or who is thinking about a career in policing to consider becoming a special constable with Wiltshire Police.”

The Special Constabulary is open for recruitment until November 5. Applications start with online registration and eligibility, a behaviour test and situational judgement test. If you are successful you will be invited to an information evening to find out more about the role before formally applying.

Training will start in May 2019.

To apply visit www.wiltshirepolicespecials.co.uk

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