MORE ISLANDERS expressed an interest in volunteering for the police force on the Isle of Wight during the latest in a series of recruitment road shows.

The Island’s mobile police office was stationed at the Garlic Festival, when eight people asked for Special Constable application forms.

On hand to give information and advice were IW Special Constables, police volunteers and Hampshire Constabulary’s Isle of Wight Extended Police Family Co-ordinator Becky Smith.

Becky said: “A wide range of people were enthusiastic to know more about what was required to volunteer for the police. Some people are considering full-time careers in policing and criminal justice work and regard volunteering as an excellent way to gain first hand experience and knowledge.

“They learned how Special Constables are fully involved in frontline police work; making arrests, helping victims and investigating crimes. Others interested in applying had previous experience of work in the emergency services and want to use their free time in retirement to continue helping the community. I would like to thank organisers of the Garlic Festival for allowing us to bring our campaign to their event.”

On the Island there are already 17 Special Constables and 11 support volunteers who work in areas including Safer Neighbourhoods, Public Protection, Community Safety, Corporate Communications and Business Services.

Special Constables give up their time to work as police officers, often in addition to their full time careers. They carry out exactly the same roles as police officers, from patrolling neighbourhoods to responding to emergency calls.

Police support volunteer roles range from administration support to victim contact work. The opportunities available will vary depending on where you want to work and how much time you have. The role of a police support volunteer is not to do work that someone would normally be paid for or to cover when people are sick or on holiday. The role of a police support volunteer is to help the police with the tasks that either enable us to give a better service to the communities we serve or to provide support which enables our officers to spend less time on administration or routine tasks and more time in your neighbourhood.

Becky Smith added: “Police support volunteers are people with the time to give and the enthusiasm to make a difference. You don’t necessarily have to have any particular skills – although specialists are always welcome – just the right attitude and community values. The hours can usually be flexible to suit you and your commitments.

“You will become part of a team, learn new skills, gain in confidence and enhance your own understanding of policing. You will also gain personal satisfaction from the knowledge that you have been generous with your time and talents for the benefit of your community. In return we will benefit from your skills and the knowledge and different perspective you could bring to one of our teams.”