Do you want to make a difference in your community? Join Essex Police as a special constable

People from all walks of life have been urged to support their police force by applying to become special constables.

Essex Police are holding a recruitment event at 7pm on Monday, July 14 at Uttlesford District Council’s offices in Saffron Walden.

The hope is that the force’s special constabulary can be bolstered by people looking to make communities across Uttlesford safer.

Inspector Colin Cox, based at Saffron Walden police station, said: “This is very important to the policing of Uttlesford. We are in desperate need of more volunteers to become specials in order to ensure that the district gets the level of policing it deserves.”

Special constables hold the same responsibilities and powers as any regular officer, attend the same emergency calls, deal with the same type of incidents and take part in a large number of community events and operations.

Some have taken lead roles in the policing of the Olympic Torch Relay, Saffron Walden and Dunmow Carnivals, Remembrance Day parades, ANPR and Warrant operations, drug enforcement and the forthcoming Tour de France event.

Insp Cox added: “Our special constables are men and women of all ages and from all walks of life.

“Whether they’re mums or dads looking for a new challenge, retired business people, taxi drivers, plumbers or hairdressers, they all have one thing in common – the drive and determination to help make a difference within the community that they live.

“Uttlesford is a very safe place to live and work and this is evidenced by the low crime and anti-social behaviour figures.

“I am looking for volunteers to join the special constabulary and join me in making a positive contribution to the community. We work closely with many partnerships and agencies and together we can make a difference.”

Call the recruitment hotline on 01245 452227 or visit essex.police.uk/specials to find out more.