Current Special, Ryan Young, was the face of our latest campaign and was quick to highlight the benefits and explain why he loves volunteering.
Northumbria Police has seen an increase in Special Constable applications following our latest successful recruitment campaign - with 175 people applying to hopefully take up the role.
Special Constables are a vital part of our force and are made up of members of the public who volunteer their time to take on the duties of a police officer, often after carrying out a day’s work in their full-time job.
Our Special Constables are extremely varied with a diverse range of backgrounds and ages with our oldest Special being 60-years-old.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Dame Vera Baird praised the campaign and said: “I wish these applicants every success.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference and I know that our Special Constables are very much valued by both police officers and local residents.
“I want to thank all of them for the contribution they make to keeping our communities safe and I look forward to welcoming the new recruits."
Current Special, Ryan Young, was the face of our latest campaign and was quick to highlight the benefits and explain why he loves volunteering.
“I’m so pleased so many people have seen the benefits of being a Special Constable and have applied to join Northumbria Police,” he said.
“It is a great place to work and the people are incredibly supportive. I’ve been a Special now for almost two years and I’ve worked on some fascinating cases.
“One of the biggest rewards for me is getting to help victims through a very difficult time in their lives. Being able to offer support to someone in need is a big part of why I became a Special Constable."
Chief Superintendent Sarah Pitt, force lead for volunteers at Northumbria Police, thanked those in the role and also welcomed anybody interested in joining.
“I really can’t express the gratitude I have for our Special Constables,” Ch Supt Pitt said. “The work they carry out is extraordinary and the skills, attributes and experience they not only gain with us but also bring to the role are incredible.
“Our Specials support all areas of the force and regularly work with response, neighbourhood and specialist teams to help tackle crimes and police issues important to the communities we serve.
“To those who have applied to become a Special Constable, I welcome you and wish you luck in your application. Going by the high standards of our current volunteers you will have fantastic mentors and big shoes to follow in!
"I am extremely grateful to everyone who dedicates their time and skills so that together we can try and make a difference to protect the people across our region.”
In Northumbria, there are currently 165 specials across the force, and each one of them have the same powers as regular police officers, they wear the same uniform and carry the same equipment.
If you’d like to add a new section to your CV then don’t worry - applications remain open.
You can find out how to apply here: http://careers.northumbria.police.uk/special-constabulary.html
