Wiltshire Police offers chance to join as a Special Constable
Special Constables are volunteers with the same powers as regular officers
There's a chance to join Wiltshire Police as a Special Constable, with the force hoping to recruit almost 40 volunteer officers over the next 12 months.
The voluntary role comes with the same powers and responsibilities as regular full-time officers and carry out the same roles.
It involves investigating crimes, dealing with violence or public order incidents, helping to find missing persons, attending the scenes of road traffic collisions and many other incidents that regular officers are involved in.
Specials tend to spare at least 16 hours a month supporting the efforts to keep Wiltshire safe, with special training on offer to those that join.
In April 2024, Special Constables gave up 2269 hours, the same as more than 14 full time officers.
DCC Craig Dibdin said: “Volunteers have always played a vital part in policing and Special Constables really are an integral part of Wiltshire Police.
"They are dedicated individuals who bring a unique set of skills and life experience. They volunteer their free time to serve their community and in doing so help us deliver our policing plan of keeping Wiltshire safe.”
Ben Williamson has worked as a Special Constable for 12 years. He wanted to join as a regular Police Officer but has enjoyed the freedom of being a Special.
He said that a standout moment for him was “locating and apprehending someone for murder and seeing them get sentenced to 24 years in prison.” He added that “it’s the best volunteering role in the world”.