GLOUCESTERSHIRE Police is launching a recruitment campaign to increase the number of Special Constables.

The police force currently have 124 Special Constables, who are volunteers giving up their spare time to keep people safe.

Now, the constabulary are aiming to reach 300 Special Constables by 2019.

The force is already working to secure another 50 new regular recruits to join by March 2018. 

However, the recruitment of many more Special Constables will give the entire force more capability and flexibility to deal with the demands faced - supporting full-time colleagues.

Deputy Chief Constable Rod Hansen said: “Special Constables have been an integral part of the policing family for over 185 years and today's volunteer police officers are better trained and equipped, and involved in more varied work than ever before.

“They have the same lawful powers as full time officers and are governed by, and accountable to, the same police regulations, Code of Ethics, values and principles.

“These are of course the same values and principles that police staff members also adhere to. Because of this, and because they are already familiar with the police service, we would greatly welcome applications from police staff members to join the Special Constabulary.

“Many of the qualities we seek in our new Special Constables are those that police staff already have and demonstrate on a daily basis."

As a Special Constable you will be asked to give a minimum of 16 hours of your free time each month as a volunteer officer.

The recruitment campaign officially launches on January 23 and will remain open for a few months.

Those interested should attend one of the Special Constabulary Information Evenings held across the county this month.

For more information, visit: www.gloucestershire.police.uk/campaigns/special-constabulary.