Work of special constabulary highlighted as recruitment campaign begins

Specials also conducted 5,164 Police National Computer Checks (PNCs), stopped 1,061 vehicles, carried out 566 breath tests and seized 104 vehicles. During the same period, April 2013 to April 2014, they issued 72 street cautions, made 93 alcohol seizures and completed 298 Domestic and Stalking Harrrassment forms.

They seized a significant amount of drugs, helped with recovery of £180,000 and significantly reduced the number of offenders wanted on warrants. They also have an award winning Specials Tasking and Rural Crime team (STARC).

The figures are released as the Special Constabulary powers ahead with a recruitment campaign aimed at boosting numbers from 206 to 322 by April 2015 - and to 500 in the longer term.

Special Constabulary Chief Officer Nigel Green said: “The figures make incredibly impressive reading and graphically illustrate what an important contribution the Specials make to policing in Bedfordshire.”

His deputy, Wayne Humberstone, added: “It is clear that Special Constables play an important role on the front line. They help with everything from arresting drug dealers to preventing deaths on our county roads.

“Attracting people from a diverse and varied background to join us is vital if we are to keep up the good work.”

A series of recruitment information evenings are being planned, details of which will be available on line at www.bedfordshire.police.uk and on Facebook/bedspolice and on Twitter @bedspolice or call the recruitment team on 01234 842398 for an information pack.