Search for Specials is a success

11:48am Sunday 29th June 2008

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A DRIVE to recruit more Special Constables in Basingstoke has been hailed a great success.

More volunteer officers are always needed to reinforce the link between the police service and the community.

And a special event held at the Camrose, the home of Basingstoke Town Football Club, allowed people from the area to find out more about what becoming a Special Constable is all about.

Specials are part-time volunteer officers who have exactly the same powers as regular police officers, but fit their duties around their day job.

Wayne Davis, section officer for Basingstoke town centre, has been a Special Constable for 11 years, and said his main reason for taking on the role is to really make a difference in the community.

"Being a Special can give you so much," he explained.

"It allows you to learn lots of new skills and really builds your self-confidence. But, at the end of the day, you get as much out as you put in," he added.

The 45-year-old, who is married and has three children, fits his duties as a Special Constable around his job as a building services engineer for Skanska, based at Sony, in Basingstoke.

He said: "I have a very understanding wife who knows how important being a Special is to me.

"I patrol in the town centre most Friday nights and then have paperwork to do during the week."

Mr Davis said he was very impressed with the turnout at the recruitment event and now has 19 names of people interested in becoming Special Constables.

Specials receive full training, uniform and kit before they are let out onto the streets.

If you would like to volunteer to be a Special, or would like more information, contact Hampshire Constabulary on 0845 045 4545.