NORTH Yorkshire Police are looking for people in Ryedale with “Special” qualities as the force launches its campaign to recruit a new intake of Special Constables.

As volunteers, Special Constables commit at least four hours a week to keeping communities safe.

Specials go through a rigorous training programme before they qualify to go out on the beat, where they work alongside regular police officers covering a wide range of different duties – anything from policing public events, to tackling anti-social behaviour or attending emergency incidents.

North Yorkshire Police currently has more than 160 Special Constables, who come from a range of backgrounds and professions, including teachers, airline cabin crew, office staff and archaeologists.

The force is hoping to recruit a further 100 Specials as part of a programme to increase the number of members of the public involved in policing, and enhance links with North Yorkshire communities.

Chief Constable Dave Jones said: “Special Constables are a very important part of the policing family. It is a role where life experience really counts, so we are looking for people who have already built up some problem-solving and people skills through their work or home life, and are looking to use their abilities to take on a new challenge.

“Our ideal recruit will be someone with strong links to their local community, who works well as part of a team, and is interested in developing their career as a Special on a long-term basis. If that sounds like you, I would urge you to visit our website to find out how to apply.”

Julia Mulligan, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, said: “I want a Special Constabulary as diverse as the communities we serve, so I hope this campaign will encourage a range of people to join.”

Go to nypspecials.com for more information about how to sign up and an expression-of-interest form.