THE SUMMER recruitment campaign for the North Yorkshire Police’s Special Constabulary has been extended to allow even more people the chance to apply.

So far, almost 200 people have requested an application pack to become a volunteer police officers, known as Specials, who have the same powers as regular police officers and play a crucial role in fighting crime and helping to make the streets safer.

The volunteers who come from a wide variety of backgrounds and walks of life, must carry out at least four hours per week. They provide 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.

The successful candidates will have the opportunity to take up a new induction programme which are launching in early 2015. This is a distance learning option and supplements the 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 encouraged by the number of people who have already requested an application pack to join the Special Constabulary in North Yorkshire Police. It’s great to see how many people are willing to give something back to the communities in which they live.

“I am keen to see applications from the broadest range of ages and backgrounds possible so that the force represent the comities it serves.

“In particular, I am keen to see applications from people who may not want to join North Yorkshire Police as a full time career, but still want to make their communities safe places to live and work.”

Special Constable Tom Stirling, who has been with the Special Constabulary for two years, said: “I am very pleased that I took the decision to become a Special. I know that I am making a real difference and helping to keep my local area safe.

“I have gained a great deal of experience and have dealt with some challenging incidents. The regular colleagues I work alongside have always been really supportive and appreciative of the contribution I give."

For more information about the Special Constabulary or becoming a Special Constable please visit www.nypspecials.com