EARLIER this month Dyfed Powys Police celebrated the work of Special Constables in communities as part of the National Special Constables weekend.

Volunteers of the Special Constabulary were out on patrol throughout Dyfed Powys providing high visibility policing and ensuring people are safe while enjoying themselves.

In the Knighton and Presteigne area there are two Special Constables: Jim Cooke from Presteigne and Jess Barrett from Felindre. They have been Special Constables for just over a year and both have full time jobs. Jim works as a civil servant for the Welsh government and Jess works as a secretary in a solicitors office. They both volunteer a minimum of 16 hours a month as Special Constables. Jim joined because he was keen to do some volunteering locally and Jess is hoping to become a full time police officer in the future.

Special Constables take part in frontline police work spending most of their time on patrol in communities, gathering information in crime hotspots or taking part in crime-prevention initiatives. This could mean anything from keeping town centres safe at night through to conducting house-to-house enquiries or helping prevent vulnerable members of the community from becoming victims of crime.

Chief Officer for the Special Constabulary in Dyfed Powys Gary Hicks said “Dyfed-Powys Police currently have 74 active special officers, including constables, sergeants and inspectors. We want to reach a total of 200 active Special Constables in Dyfed Powys over the next two years, supporting officers and staff in our communities."

Special Inspector for Powys Giles George said “The Special Constabulary are a valued part of the police family. We share skills and knowledge which enables provision of an enhanced service to our communities." For more information on becoming a Special Constable with Dyfed Powys Police visit

www.dyfed-powys.police.uk