Recruiting for Special Constables

It is fair to say that whilst crime levels in West Bergholt are generally low (4 or 5 a month), a recent uptick (14 in September), has left residents concerned.  Followers of the Parish Council and Traffic Safety Group, however, will be aware that there has been much discussion about the use of Special Constables to address residents’ concerns.  There is good news now that this is may become a reality as Essex Police are now actively recruiting for Special Constables to serve West Bergholt.

The Parish Council would normally be asked to fund the training of these Specials, but it has now been agreed that they will only need to fund initial equipment, expenses incurred within the community (i.e. not expenses when tasked outside the community), and then around £2 per hour subsistence.  Do you feel like taking on the role?

What will the role involve?

Succesful applicants for these voluntary roles can expect to spend quite a time undergoing vetting, training and patrolling with experienced officers before they become independent.  Once they are ready to go a West Bergholt Community Special Constable will:

1. Be part of a Community Policing Team
2. Start and end their duty as close to their community as possible, potentially from another agency’s premises
3. Spend the majority of their time within the council area’s neighbourhoods.
4. Be visible and accessible in local communities on uniformed, foot or cycle patrol.
5. Help address local issues and priorities as informed by the local council and police intelligence-led tasking.
6. Patrol hot spots identified through intelligence or deemed to be priority areas.
7. Respond to police-related incidents within the council area.
8. Engage with local communities and support further recruitment of Specials.
9. Attend suitable local council meetings where available to do so.
10. Have regard to the Council’s aims and objectives in their voluntary service.

If you are interested you can apply online by visiting the Essex Police website.