THE Special Constabulary is a force of trained volunteers who work with and support their local police.

‘Specials’ come from all walks of life — they are teachers, taxi drivers, accountants and secretaries — forming a vital link between the regular police and the local community.

Joining the specials opens up a world of opportunity for personal and professional advancement. Undergoing training and then going out on patrol makes a welcome break from day to day life, bringing excitement and challenge with every day you volunteer.

People join the specials for many different reasons — to give something back to the community; learn new skills and gain valuable experience; challenge yourself and learn first-hand about the police force before committing to become a full time officer.

One West Devon special constable gave an insight into his role with Devon and Cornwall Police:

‘I attached myself to a dog unit (Darryl and Boris) for a Friday night shift to gain further understanding and experience of their section and learn how key their support is to our force and the response officers throughout.

‘Although quiet, we were covering Devon responding to what we could — we were involved in looking for two missing people, one in Woodbury Salterton and another in Exmouth, both were found successfully. However, the dog was not required.

‘We then moved on up to Tiverton to assist with an area search for a piece of wood used as a weapon. We utilised the dog to search for any residual traces of scent through a couple of gardens to look for the weapon, however, it resulted in an area search “no trace”.

‘After this we were on the look out for a group of men with a flatbed lorry as they had knocked out someone at a compound near to Dunkeswell and stole a few grands worth of kit and scrap metal. We again had no luck with this as we were awaiting passing of their vehicle which we must have missed.

‘We then returned to HQ for food and soon received a call to attend a traveller’s site down in Redruth.

‘This was a report of a firearms incident of which dog Boris, trained as a firearms support dog, was required to attend and support.

‘Our understanding of the situation was that a gunshot was heard at this site and there was a dispute between two parties. We were aware that one individual had multiple lacerations and required medical assistance and that an additional firearms support dog was required to help contain the situation.

‘We ended up doing a blue-light run all the way from Exeter to Redruth when we were stood down about ten miles away from Redruth as the ARV teams and Cornwall’s FSD and handler had the situation maintained. It turned out to be some sort of machete/knife incident and the ‘bang’ was from two cars colliding.

‘After a very long drive back to Exeter, the evening was coming to an end and I was ready for my drive back to Okehampton at 2am.’

For more information on how to become a Special Constable visit the Devon and Cornwall Police website https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk