North Yorkshire Police are giving residents across North Yorkshire and the city of York the chance to make a real difference in their communities.
From Friday 18 July 2014, you will have the chance to join the ranks of the Special Constabulary.
The recruitment campaign is aimed at boosting the numbers of volunteers across the force, and using the officers’ skills and local knowledge to enhance the service provided by North Yorkshire Police.
As a special constables you will have the same powers as the regular police officers you work with, playing a crucial role in fighting crime and making our streets safer.
The volunteer officers, who are commonly known as Specials, who come from a wide variety of backgrounds and walks of life, must carry out at least four hours per week forming a vital link between their communities and the police service.
Specials also play a crucial role in helping to police high profile events such as the Tour de France, as well as taking responsibility for local events across the county.
Following recent feedback, this latest campaign will see the introduction of a new style application form. This new form is shorter, more user friendly and relevant to the requirements of our core vision and values.
Applicants from this campaign who are successful will also have the opportunity to take up a new induction programme which will be launching in early 2015. This will be a distance learning option and will supplement our other classroom based induction programmes, with the aim of providing more flexibility for students, allowing them to tailor their studies to fit in with their personal circumstances.
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Kennedy, said: I am very pleased that we have been able to simplify the process for applicants. I know that people who have expressed interest during previous campaigns may have been discouraged from applying because of the application form. If you are one of these people, I urge you to reconsider applying.
The Special Constabulary are a crucial part of the modern policing family and the contribution the officers give is outstanding.
I would be encouraged to see applications from people from a broad range of backgrounds and varying ages and those who may not necessarily want to join the force as a regular, but would still like to make a contribution to keeping their communities a safe place to live and work.
There is no upper age limit for applications, candidates simply need to meet the necessary fitness levels.
I know from personal experience, how much specials are valued by their regular colleagues and the contribution they make to the service.
Chief Inspector Jo Brooksbank, of Harrogate Safer Neighbourhood Command, said: Members of the Special Constabulary make a fantastic contribution to keeping the district a safe place to live and work.
As well as working alongside regular colleagues, they are responsible for policing events, such as the Knaresborough Bed Race.
If you are thinking about volunteering as a special, I really encourage you to apply. You will make a real difference to the district.
Anyone who would like more information about becoming a special constable or would like to join, should visit www.nypspecials.com
