THE number of Special Constables in the county is to be increased.

The Gloucestershire Constabulary currently has 124 Special Constables and is aiming to substantially increase the numbers of police volunteers to 300 by 2019.

The force is already working to secure another 50 new regular recruits to join by March next year and will give the police more capability and flexibility to deal with the demands faced – supporting full time colleagues.

Special Constables freely give up their spare time, a minimum of 16 hours each month, to keep people safe and, by doing so they make a hugely significant and much valued contribution to local policing.

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. In whatever capacity they serve, Special Constables play an increasingly important and integrated role within the organisation and form crucial links with our communities.”

Information about what it means to be a Special Constable and how to register your interest has been created on Gloucestershire Police’s web site.

An information evening about being a Special Constable is being held at the Forest of Dean Police Station on March 2 at 6.30pm.