Hertfordshire Constabulary formally welcomed six new Special Constables last week.

Specials are volunteer police officers. They come from all walks of life and volunteer their spare time for a minimum of 16 hours a month. Highly trained, with full policing powers including the power to arrest, they play an essential role in preventing, reducing and tackling crime.

The cohort were formally attested at a ceremony which took place at police headquarters in Welwyn Garden City on Thursday 1 May. Friends and family were in attendance and witnessed the new officers take their oath in front of Magistrate Rob Sassoon. 

Special Superintendent Jo Reay said: "Our new Special Constables have taken their oath to protect our communities in Hertfordshire and this is a really important milestone in their volunteering journey. I hope the new recruits feel proud of their achievements on reaching this stage as they now embark on a rewarding role. I wish them all the very best in their Specials career." 

Chief Constable Andy Prophet added: "I'd like to thank our fantastic six new Special Constables for volunteering their spare time to keep our communities safe. It's a remarkable volunteering role and I know they will make a real difference when they go out on shift.

"Hertfordshire's Special Constabulary is highly regarded by other forces, and we offer fantastic training and development opportunities."

The six recruits will be stationed across the county with two officers heading to North Herts, one to Stevenage, Three Rivers, Welwyn and Watford.

Applications to join our Special Constabulary are open all year round. If you're looking for a rewarding volunteering role, becoming a Special could be a great route to consider.

If you're concerned about fitting the role in with your day job, you may be interested in our Employer Supported Policing (ESP) scheme. ESP gives flexibility for Special Constables to carry out their volunteering duties and the constabulary will work with your employer to find a way that works. For example, some employers decide to give the Special unpaid leave to undertake their duties whilst others are able to offer paid leave. It is worth exploring if you are thinking about joining our Special Constabulary. 

To find out more visit: Special Constables | Hertfordshire Constabulary (herts.police.uk)