Grampian Police in drive for Mearns 'specials'

Residents in the Mearns have been urged to sign up to a campaign by Grampian Police aimed at attracting volunteers to become special constables.

By Graeme Bletcher
Published in the Courier : 26.04.11
Published online : 30.04.11 @ 04.50pm

Related content

The force has 180 special constables and is aiming to boost that total to 250 in the next year — with the help of online promotion.

An awareness drive will be launched via radio and the internet, with students from Aberdeen College helping to promote the campaign on You Tube.

Special constables co-ordinator, Sergeant Ian Chalmers said, "Specials are a valuable resource and can augment and provide additional support to local policing teams and communities."

PC David McLean, who managed the project, added, "The students came up with the ideas and scripts and those selected have been made entirely by the students themselves. The results are fantastic, with both parties benefiting from the partnership."

Special constables have the same powers and responsibilities as regular officers. The volunteers can be called upon to assist in all areas of police work including patrols, community engagement, specialist operations, attending incidents and royal visits.

Officers can report for duty at anytime depending on their work or lifestyle commitments, with many choosing to serve in their local area.

Special constables are unpaid but a £1000 award is available if they join the recognition award scheme which requires 45 four-hour shifts a year and some training nights.

Assistant Chief Constable Colin Menzies said, "Those who volunteer as a special get a lot of satisfaction from helping make a difference to their community whilst improving their career prospects from the skills they develop working on the beat."