HELENSBURGH and Lomond residents are being encouraged to join a nationwide campaign by Police Scotland to recruit new special constables.

The special constabulary is a part-time volunteer body consisting of officers with identical powers to those of ‘regular’ cops.

Those who sign up are asked to perform a diverse role that could include everything from policing football matches to patrolling the streets of their local community.

Following a steady decrease in the number of special constables since the formation of Police Scotland, with a “significant” number of recruits using the opportunity as a route to becoming a regular police officer, the campaign focuses on encouraging people to give back to their local community by signing up in their spare time.

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Social media posts and campaign posters have been produced, promoting the role of special constables and why their skills and talent could be crucial to local policing.

Assistant chief constable John Hawkins said there are many people in the local area who could bring skills from their own job into the role of a volunteer police officer.

“Joining the special constabulary can also be a fantastic opportunity to consider whether policing is the job for you,” he added. “It provides excellent experience and training for those who would like to become a full-time police officer.

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“Police Scotland undoubtedly benefits from the experience volunteers bring but it’s also an opportunity unlike any other, where you gain confidence, new skills and get the chance to help people in need or make their life better.

“Anyone is eligible to apply to become a special constable, as long as they satisfy some basic requirements for the role, but ultimately we are looking for people who want to make a real difference to their communities and can bring a fresh perspective to the team they work in.

“The more varied your background, the more diverse our workforce will be.

“Don’t miss the opportunity to do something great.”

For more information on becoming a special constable, including eligibility, visit scotland.police.uk/recruitment/special-constables.

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