Special times for part-time police

Nov 4 2008 by Katie Campling, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

WEST Yorkshire Police are celebrate the work of its volunteer officers.

A national Specials Weekend started on Friday and runs until tomorrow to recognise the work of special constables.

In West Yorkshire 440 specials put in more than 50,000 hours of voluntary service for the police.

During Specials Weekend the volunteer officers teamed up with police community support officers and regular officers to form a strong police presence during Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night events.

Chief Insp Mark Hartley, from the force’s Local Policing Support department, said: “Special constables play a vital role in the work of West Yorkshire Police and the neighbourhoods they police.

“Their hard work, dedication and professionalism should be recognised and celebrated.

“Members of the public enjoying themselves during Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night will be able to see specials out and about on patrol in their area, as will those up to mischief.”