Special Constables Wanted From The Yorkshire Coast

North Yorkshire Police say they want people from all walks of life to join up as special constables.

The Yorkshire Coast is an area they're very keen to target.

They say no two days are ever the same – you could be arresting wanted people, attending crime prevention events, searching for missing people or attending emergency incidents, and more.

Specials – as they are known - have the same power, uniform and responsibilities as regular police officers but volunteer on a part-time basis.

NYP is looking for adults of any age, and from all walks of life, but you must be hard-working with a genuine interest in policing.

Opportunities are available across the whole of North Yorkshire, from the coast to the dales.

It is a chance to gain specialist training, expertise and confidence – and to make new friends and colleagues.

Special Constable Natalia Danvers, who was 34 when she joined North Yorkshire Police, said:

“I’ve always wanted to work for the police but being a single parent, I would have struggled with shift patterns, mainly night shifts.

"I joined as a Special Constable so that I can get experience and knowledge with a potential idea of joining as a regular officer in the future.”

Among the benefits are a future career opportunities within the force and options to join a specialist team such as Roads Policing or Rural Crime once the initial training, tutorship and probation period is complete.

Drew Mansell, who was 24 when he started training as a Special Constable, said:

“I’ve come to see that the most meaningful moments aren’t always about the fast-paced action but often come from the quieter, more personal interactions.

"Being there for someone when they’re at their lowest – whether that means helping someone lost, preventing a theft, or sitting with someone in crisis, even in the pouring rain or freezing snow—can truly change someone’s life, and that’s incredibly fulfilling.”

North Yorkshire Police's Special Constable Chief Officer is Sharron Moverley-Holmes:

 

"Policing is a huge challenge. But it's had a positive impact. One of the things that's really key is that we make people feel safe and be safe, and I think. You can go home at the end of the shift and think, do you know what? I did a good job today. That's what it's about. Equally special constables playing integral part in policing within North Yorkshire.

"Whether that's on response, whether that's with neighborhood policing or whether it's with our road policing team, it all makes a difference."

She had this advice for anyone considering applying:

" I would say to anybody, if you're thinking about a career in policing, come and be a special constable. First, find out if it's for you. See what the job's about, because it's not easy. It will be things that you've never seen before, never dealt with before. But equally, you'll meet some fabulous friends.

"You'll gain some new skills and whether or not you choose to go on and become a regular officer. Up to you, but either way it's positive. So I think policing, as it stands, needs people from all walks of life. The more experience of life, the more variety, the better."

The officer revealed what sort of abilities who be useful:

"Good communicators, good team players, but equally if they can work on their own initiative, I think people who want to make a difference, want to be part of their community, want to get involved and just play their part in making sure that we deliver the best possible service."

She added that young or old are welcome:

 "In terms of age, you can apply at 17, but you need to be 18 to start training, and there's no upper age limit. You've got to just be fit enough to do a fitness test every year and complete officer safety training. There are some occupations that would be prohibited, but what I would say to everybody is don't worry about that at this stage.

"Visit our website. Contact our recruitment team. Talk to us. Whether it isn't, all applications are viewed on an individual basis, so until you ask, you'll never know. But if you don't take the opportunity, you'll equally never know what a fabulous opportunity you've missed."

Applications are open until March the 16th. The North Yorkshire Police website is www.northyorkshire.police.uk.