THAMES Valley Police have launched a new website in a bid to attract more ‘special’ volunteer police officers.

The website is designed to make the process of becoming a volunteer police officer, known as specials, easier.

The website contains information on what an officer could expect from the job, what type of training they would receive and what the force will expect of them.

Click the link at the bottom of this story for the website.

Special constabulary chief officer Nigel Woodley said: “Many people make the decision to find out about joining as a volunteer officer, but get frustrated by a lack of information and the length of time it takes to apply.

“This website should make the initial process better.”

He said: “The campaign’s approach is to ask people if they are prepared to take practical action to prevent unacceptable behaviour in their neighbourhood.

“For many people, that is what being a special is all about; deciding to take a personal stand against criminals in their area.

“However other people join for a number of reasons; to gain new life experiences, to see if they would like to become a regular officer, or because they want to give something back to their community.”

There will be recruitments events in city centres around Thames Valley.

Specials have the same powers as regular officers, but work around their everyday jobs.

They are expected to work at least eighteen hours a month and receive full training. They are also able to advance within the special constabulary.

The Home Office reports that, on average, for every £1 spent on training and equipment for specials an estimated £10 worth of policing is expected in return.