Special constables recruitment weekend

Staff from the Met will be at the ready to interview candidates. After successfully completing a written test and an interview – visitors will be able to realise their potential as a Special constable on the day of the event.

There are currently 802 Special constables in the Metropolitan Police, but the aim is to reach the grand total of 1000 by April 2005.

"Special constables are a valuable asset to the Met Police and their contribution is never taken for granted," says Chief Superintendent Mark Gore. "We aim to have 1000 officers by April 2005 who will be part of this organisation as volunteers. It is a unique opportunity for an individual to put something back in to the community."

Potential candidates, if successful, will be given a date for a medical in the near future to complete their application to the Metropolitan Special Constabulary. They will also be able to take advantage of the new free travel arrangements – both on and off duty – on buses, tubes and Docklands Light Railway as part of the new agreement with Transport for London.

A volunteer arm of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), the 'Specials' are appointed to assist the regular police. With the same powers of arrest as regular officers they are deployed to crime hot spots and also help police major public events – their highly visible uniformed presence reassuring the public at all times.

The role of being a Special constable offers a challenging, yet rewarding vocation. Full training, both in the classroom and on the beat, are given to ensure recruits are fully prepared for their duties. The average Special constable is expected to commit to between four and eight hours voluntary service a week.

The range of duties currently available to Specials is on the increase and their role has never been so varied, from postings at Heathrow Airport to working with the Marine Support Unit.

• If you would like to become a Special constable please call the Recruitment Call Centre on 0845 727 2212