POLICING in communities across West Mercia have been boosted by 24 new Special Constables who joined their patrol and Safer Neighbourhood Team colleagues for the first time this week.
Of the new group, two of the officers will be based in Droitwich, two in Worcester and three for Malvern.
Special Constables are voluntary, part-time police officers who work in some of the most important areas of modern policing.
They have full police powers and wear a police uniform, and their duties are the same as regular officers, such as foot and vehicle patrols, roads policing, investigating crime, arresting suspects, taking statements from witnesses and tackling local issues, such as anti-social behaviour and harassment.
Yesterday, after completing their training, they took part in a Covid-compliant Passing Out Ceremony and have their first day on the job today.
Ch Supt Paul Moxley said he was delighted to welcome the new Specials, adding they would provide even more resources to help protect our communities and offer support with the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The new intake has spent the last few months being fully trained, giving them the knowledge, skills and confidence to handle every situation they will encounter, including their powers of arrest, the safe use of their personal protection equipment, problem solving and how to prepare evidence for court.”
The officers have accompanied patrol status meaning they will be supervised by experienced officers while they are out and about.
West Mercia is not currently recruiting more specials but people can visit westmercia.police.uk to find out more about the role and others in the force.
