Local people are invited to follow in the footsteps of Rod Stewart’s wife Penny Lancaster who last year became a special constable.

Special constables are volunteers, and few other volunteering opportunities can offer the same challenges, responsibilities and rewards. Special constables have the same powers and uniforms as regular police officers. They work closely with officers to support local communities, offering the opportunity to be involved daily with various situations and evolving scenarios. No two shifts are ever the same. The role provides unparalleled support and training with every step of the way.

Chief officer for Dorset Police Special Constabulary, Ryan Howell, said: “Last week I was privileged to attend the South West Citizens in Policing Awards, where we recognised the contribution of special constables, police support volunteers, police cadets and cadet leaders. I am incredibly proud of our special constables and the wealth of skills and experience they bring to policing, which greatly benefit the communities of Dorset. Our officers make time to police Dorset and keep people safe.

“As a special constable, you’ll be provided excellent law, conflict resolution, and diplomacy training and build your confidence. We want to learn what you can bring to policing. We’re after different perspectives, different experiences, diversity of thought and those who can help us give excellent service to the communities we serve.”

Special constables come from various backgrounds and walks of life. Their motivations for being a part of our police family are numerous.

Special constable Emma Saunders said: “I’ve been a special constable since 2020, and I really enjoy every shift. There’s always something new to learn and challenges to overcome and I get a real sense of pride and achievement. My day job is with HMRC, and I think each role enhances the other as they have some similarities, and I transfer skills between them, making me better at both.”

Anyone over the age of 18 years old can apply for the role. No formal qualifications are required, just commitment, enthusiasm for the police service, and the drive to make a difference.

Police and crime commissioner David Sidwick said: “Special constables are unique individuals who bring their own specialist skills and experience from outside of policing and bridge the gap between policing and the community.

“Specials have the same powers and wear the same uniform as regular police officers. They make a commitment to protecting our local communities and to making Dorset a safer place to live, work and visit. Our special constables can work across and specialise in many different areas of policing, including Neighbourhood Policing, Rural Crime, Roads Policing and Response, to name but a few.

“So, if you are looking for a real challenge, seeking out a new opportunity to develop your skills and to really find out what you are capable of, then joining the Dorset Police family as a ‘Special’ may well be for you.”

Recruitment is open until midnight on 4 December 2022. Visit: https://recruitment-dcp-dp.org/dorset-police-volunteers/special-constables/