Could you join Wiltshire's Special Constables on the streets?

Wiltshire currently has around 200 Special Constables at the moment, and they're looking to increase the number of people giving up their time to support regular officers.

It's a volunteer role, with people asked to give up a minimum of 16 hours a month to go on patrol.

Wiltshire Police say becoming a special is 'a way to make a difference in your community' and can be a chance to begin a career in policing.

Recruitment has now opened, and will stay open until Monday 30th November - with the details on the force's website.

Applications start with an online registration and an eligibility test - those successful are then asked to join an information event to find out more before a formal application.

Superintendent Phil Staynings, Citizens in Policing Lead at Wiltshire Police, said:

"This is an exciting time to become a Special at Wiltshire Police.

"IT provision is improving, training is improving, and, like regular officers, Specials are now under Community Policing Team Sergeant and Inspector line management - our Specials really are at the heart of policing here in Wiltshire and Swindon.

"It is really important that our Specials reflect the communities we are here to serve. We strongly encourage underrepresented groups to apply - women, people who identify from an ethnic minority background, LBGTQ+ and individuals with physical or mental disabilities. Our Positive Action team will be on-hand to support and guide people from underrepresented groups throughout the whole recruitment process and answer any questions".

Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson said:

"Throughout my term as Police and Crime Commissioner, I am proud to have invested heavily in the Special Constabulary. That investment has paid dividends by allowing Wiltshire Police to buck the national trend and to find talented people from a range of backgrounds who wish to contribute to keeping their communities safe.

"When our Specials wear their uniforms, they look the same as regular officers, have the same powers as regular officers and can face the same challenges and hazards whilst keeping the peace in their communities.

"One minute you might be helping with incidents such as missing people, road crashes, tracking down offenders trying to avoid arrest and the next you might be checking dangerous environments such as collapsed buildings and firearms incidents. This is a volunteer role like no other.

"It makes me so proud to know that almost 200 people in Wiltshire and Swindon are prepared to make such a personal sacrifice for no financial reward. If this role interests you, please do apply and I look forward to welcoming you at an information evening soon".