Top officer to see town Specials at work (From Gazette Series)

Top officer to see town Specials at work

Gloucestershire Constabulary is organising a series of events and activities to mark National Specials Weekend this weekend.

The weekend is aimed at raising awareness of the work carried out by the Special Constabulary and encouraging more people to join the volunteer force.

Gloucestershire's Assistant Chief Constable, Operations, Craig Mackey, will be joining Special Constables on an operation in Dursley on the evening of Friday February 27.

He said he was looking forward to getting first hand experience of the valuable work carried out by Specials in the county.

"The invaluable role the Special Constabulary plays in the county and the country as a whole is well recognised and in Gloucestershire they provide a wonderful service to our communities," Mr Mackey said.

"It is all too easy to take volunteers such as the Specials for granted but events such as National Specials Weekend highlight the role they play and enable us to take stock of their work and their contribution.

"I am looking forward to meeting the Dursley Specials and seeing the type of work they carry out and would encourage others to follow their example and join the Specials to help us in our fight against crime and disorder."

Events being held in Gloucestershire during National Specials Weekend include operations we are unable to publicise prior to the event.

Gloucestershire Constabulary, which was recently given a £70,000 Government grant to boost and develop the Special Constabulary, has set up a dedicated telephone number for Specials recruitment enquiries.

Anyone wanting to join the Specials should ring 01242 276343, visit the force website at www.gloucestershire.police.uk or e-mail specialsrecruitment@gloucestershire.police.uk.

Special Constables perform the same duties as regular police officers but their work is voluntary. They are only expected to provide a minimum of two hours service per week. Specials must be over 18 and a half or 50 or under and, although there are no height restrictions, must be fit and healthy.

ENDS