POLICE in Hampshire are residents offering people a chance to join officers on patrol.

Hampshire Constabulary has signed up to the Home Office’s Best Use of Stop and Search scheme.

The force said the scheme builds on a strategy carried out in Portsmouth to build trust and confidence in policing.

Assistant Chief Constable Sara Glen said: “Although it has been set up as part of the Home Office Best Use of Stop and Search scheme, we see it offering something much broader than just seeing the use of these powers as there is no guarantee it will be used by officers while out on patrol.

“We hope it will give a much wider understanding of the role of a police officer and for those interested in learning more about policing in the community, that it will demonstrate first hand that we do not take our powers lightly.”

Anyone interested in taking part is asked to apply in writing to their district commander via the ACC Local Policing Office, or can email, along with a copy of their ID, to street.powers@hampshire.pnn.police.uk.