The work of Hertfordshire’s part-time volunteer police in the fight against crime is in the spotlight this weekend as most of the county’s 300 special constables will be out in force.

Their planned duties include everything from policing a carnival, ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) operations and shoplifting patrols as well as executing warrants, tackling underage drinking and catching speeding drivers.

National Specials Weekend is an annual event designed to highlight the vital role performed by the special constabulary and its contribution to policing in their communities.

Chief Insp Damien Kennedy, who took over at the head of the specials in Herts last month, said: “National Specials Weekend is a great chance for Hertfordshire’s special constabulary to showcase the valuable policing work they undertake every day for Hertfordshire in their own free time.

“In the last 12 months our Special Constables together performed a total of 99,000 duty hours for the force.”

Over the last year the team has also made more than 439 arrests and assisted in a further 996, dealt with 182 road traffic collisions, taken part in 91 alcohol seizures, made 326 drug seizures, conducted 417 breath tests, undertaken 954 stop and searches, seized 127 vehicles and executed 306 warrants

The force is looking to recruit new members of the team across the county.

All special constables have full police powers, uniform and protective equipment and work alongside the regular force. As volunteers, special constables are not paid but expenses are reimbursed.

Regular special constables can get involved in a range of policing activities from high visibility patrols around pubs and clubs at the weekend and tackling anti-social behaviour to being called to assist at the scenes of incidents such as road traffic collisions, burglaries or assaults.

Those with an interest in the countryside and rural issues could be perfect as a rural special constable, specially trained to have an understanding of rural issues and the countryside they serve. They can be involved in everything from investigating heritage crime, hare coursing and dealing with fly-tipping, to tackling poaching and investigating wildlife offences.

Chief Insp Kennedy said: “Specials are an incredibly valuable resource to the force.

“They receive comprehensive training to ensure they can fully play their part and get involved in various aspects of policing.

“So, if you are 18 or over, can multi-task, have great interpersonal skills and want to give something back to the community for at least 16 hours a month in your free time, why don’t you consider joining?”

Visit www.herts.police.uk/specials and click on ‘apply online’ or browse the pages to find out more.