Special police constables have made a positive impact both here in Melton and in Rutland, being seen by members of the public out on the beat, providing a reassuring presence on the streets and helping regular officers in their drive to tackle anti-social behaviour and other priorities.

Award-winning leader of the Melton specials team Graham Williams, who recently won the Leicestershire Special Constabulary Award 2009 (Saville Cup) for his committed work, spoke to the Melton Times about his role, what he enjoys about it and how other people can become special constables.

Mr Williams is section officer for Melton, a role which involves the managing of the specials in Melton and Rutland, ensuring shifts and duties are allocated, and sorting out any queries the specials have.
Regular monthly meetings are held to discuss issues and provide any training required.

He said: "I became a special constable as I wanted to give something back to the community and this was one way for me being able to do just that.

"Being a special can be very rewarding to your skills in your 'real job' in respect of giving you confidence. It looks good on your CV as well. I enjoy the role as a special immensely as it's a different role from my work and no two days are the same when you're on duty. One minute you're doing patrols and then you could be called to help out at a road traffic collision or a domestic incident."

He added: "You might think the special is a regular officer until you get to speak to them. We're approached by members of the public during patrols and reassure them of recent activities in their area as well as liaising with the local beat officer.

"Anti-social behaviour is one of our main priorities and we can be seen in areas where there are known problems. We speak to the youngsters as well as reassuring residents in the area. You can also find us outside the night clubs on a Friday and Saturday night dealing with any problems there."

In Melton there are currently six specials, with four specials in Rutland. Special constables have the same powers as regular officers, are basically given the same training as regular officers and are issued with the same uniform and equipment.

A special constable has to contribute a minimum of 16 hours a month to their allocated beat. This equates to four hours per week and specials also have to attend training throughout the year.

Mr Williams said: "The main priority of the special constabulary is to provide extra support to the regulars. They are allocated to a shift and get involved in anti-social behaviour patrols in and around Melton.

Foot patrols are one of the main patrols we do as part of the Policing Pledge. Priorities can change as the sergeant on duty that day might have you buddied up to go out on other duties with the regulars.

"A new recruit would benefit from being a special constable if they want to give something back to the community they live in and be part of it. It will also give them an insight into what the Leicester Constabulary is all about if they're thinking of joining it as a regular officer."

For those considering volunteering for the Special Constabulary, no formal qualifications are required to join but it's asked that applicants have good spoken and written English, reasonable numeracy skills, honesty and integrity, a sense of humour and the ability to cope with the unexpected.

The minimum age to apply is 18.

Initial training is at weekends and includes training in law and police powers, evidence and procedure and officer protection. Once the classroom phase is complete your training will move out into the communities where you will work with an experienced constable.

For more information about the role of a special constable and how to become one visit the Leicestershire Constabulary website www.leics.police.uk/careers/3_special_constabulary or call the recruiting team on (0116) 222 22 22 ext 2062.

People interested in joining the specials can also attend special constabulary information seminars.

Seminars include presentations and discussions on the role of the volunteer constable, training, duties and responsibilities. It is also an opportunity to meet with people who want to make a positive difference.

You can look on the diary dates section of the website for news of special recruiting events.

If you are interested in attending one of the seminars, you can e-mail the specials team or call (0116) 222 22 22 ext 2062.