WORCESTERSHIRE will benefit from new special constables joining patrol and safer neighbourhood team colleagues for the first time.

Special constables are voluntary, part-time police officers who work in some of the most important areas of modern policing.

The new intake includes six special constables to be based in Shrewsbury, six in Telford and one in Oswestry. Malvern has three new Special Constables, with two each in Droitwich and Worcester, while Redditch, Hereford, Evesham and Kidderminster also welcome new Specials.

They have full police powers and wear a police uniform, and their duties are the same as regular officers, such as foot and vehicle patrols, roads policing, investigating crime, arresting suspects, taking statements from witnesses and tackling local issues, such as anti-social behaviour and harassment.

Chief Superintendent Paul Moxley said: “I am delighted to be welcoming 24 new Special Constables across the whole of the West Mercia Police area, which gives us even more resources to help protect our communities, particularly during the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The new intake has spent the last few months being fully trained, giving them the knowledge, skills and confidence to handle every situation they will encounter, including their powers of arrest, the safe use of their personal protection equipment, problem solving and how to prepare evidence for court.

“Following their Passing Out, they have successfully achieved Accompanied Patrol Status, meaning that they will be out and about under the supervision of an experienced officer, gaining valuable experience in keeping the public same from harm.”