Merseyside police officers are paving the way in a new scheme aimed at training Special Constabulary Officers to join our local Roads Policing team.

Our volunteer Special Constables come from all walks of life and have previously been based working alongside regular officers and PCSOs in the local neighbourhood policing teams.

However, this new scheme, launched in February 2018, allows all Special Constables joining the Roads Policing team to undertake a formal accreditation which, once completed, recognises them as designated Roads Policing Specials. This gives them the same training as our RPU officers including how to use speed detection devices, conduct drink/drug driving tests, vehicle examinations and more.

Police Constable James Hannon who has lead on the scheme and is also from the Roads Policing Team, said: “I’m really glad that Merseyside Police are leading the way in this new scheme.

“We know that Specials play a vital role in supporting officers and the community and that’s why we’re doing lots of work behind the scenes to upskill our Special Constables.

“Not only does this scheme give them the opportunity to explore other departments that they may not have been able to in the past, they also gain exposure into working alongside Roads Policing Officers which I hope they’ll find a really interesting, fast-paced and exciting role.

“Here, we’ll train them and give them the confidence to get stuck in, really understand different aspects of policing and how to deal with different crime types.

“Although becoming a Special Constable can be demanding, joining the Merseyside team gives ordinary members of the public the chance to make a real difference in the community and can open their eyes to the different opportunities available to them if they were to take on a permanent role in the Force.”

Special Sergeant Kai Lindsay for the Roads Policing Special Team said: “When I first considered becoming a Special Constable, working in the Roads Policing Team wasn’t even on my agenda but to have the opportunity to do so has meant that I have been exposed to a whole new side of policing.

“The team are all really welcoming and have helped teach me different aspects of policing. I am really enjoying being a Special and would happily recommend the scheme to my family and friends!”

Chief Inspector Tony Jones, from the Matrix Department Command Team said: “I fully support the scheme and praise all the work that the Roads Policing Team have already done to get this up and running.

“It is great to see Special Constables join different departments and gain new skills that weren’t previously available to them. I can see the scheme goes from strength to strength and look forward to hearing and seeing more people complete the training.

“I would advise anyone that is interested in the scheme or becoming a Special Constable in general, to give it a go! Specials really are a valuable part of the force and their hard work goes a long way into supporting our communities.”

Do you think you’re up to the challenge? Visit our website for more details or email specials@merseyside.police.uk with any queries you may have.