CHESHIRE Police is recruiting ‘vital’ volunteer police officers – known as special constables – to help keep the streets safe.

Volunteer police officers have the same powers in law as every other officer, wear the same uniform, carry the same equipment, work alongside regular officers and work on the same operations.

They need to contribute a minimum of 16 hours per month, but this can be done at a time that fits into their life – as policing is a 24/7 task.

Specials are put through extensive training to equip them with sound knowledge in law, process, policy and safety.

Following initial training, they will be posted to a specific unit, with first shifts being double crewed with an experienced officer.

They will attend a range of incidents from blue light runs to crashes and neighbourhood disputes.

Leon Boland, chief officer for the special constabulary, said: “Special constables are a vital part of policing within Cheshire Police, and we are a force with great ambition.

“If you have at least 16 spare hours a month and want to do something purposeful with them, we are looking for volunteer officers who will deliver excellent policing to support the force.

“In return you will learn new skills, build new friendships, and most importantly, get a sense of significant achievement.

“Becoming a volunteer police officer puts you in an unrivalled position to give back to your community and make a difference to people’s lives in their time of need.

“It really is a role like no other – and well worth using what spare time you do have to be part of a great team of people at Cheshire Police.”

Applications are currently open and close on Monday, February 19, at 9am. For more information, visit cheshire.police.uk/police-forces/cheshire-constabulary/areas/cheshire/careers/careers/special-constables/