THAMES Valley Police want to increase the number of volunteer officers in Oxfordshire to help get a grip on crime.

Chief Constable Sara Thornton wants to train more Special Constables to make sure the force keeps pace with national targets.

Her aim is to increase the number of volunteer officers in the region from 428 to 450 by the end of March next year, with an extra six officers based in Oxfordshire.

Specials are trained volunteers and have full police powers, including the power of arrest.

The county currently has 107 such officers, who give up their time to help the community, with just under half of them stationed in Oxford.

They usually turn out at times of peak demand for police and are often sent to scenes of incidents, to tackle antisocial behaviour and to help at public events.

Inspector Paul Bradford, who supervises the Thames Valley force’s Special Constabulary, said the Government wanted to raise the number of Specials in the UK to 20,000 by the end of next year.

He said special constables would never replace full-time police officers.

He said: “That can never be the case. The Special Constabulary is very much about supporting and complementing the work of our regular colleagues.

“We’re not dependent on them to deliver our core services.

“They very much support us in what we do. The Special Constabulary has existed for 175 years and they have never been about replacing full- time police officers.”

He added: “What we’re looking for is reliable, honest, calm people, who can communicate well in stressful circumstances.

“We also want people who have got a sense of community spirit and who can come and help support us.”

Ms Thornton said: “There are currently 428 members of the Thames Valley Special Constabulary and our target is to increase this to 450 by the end of the year.

“Becoming a volunteer allows you to improve your skills, gain new experience, or decide whether policing is a suitable career path for you.

“Volunteers come from all walks of life, some have full-time jobs and want to give something back to the community and also find that the experience they gain helps them in their career.”

eallen@oxfordmail.co.uk

  • For more details about the Special Constabulary, see thamesvalley.police.uk/joinus