VOLUNTEER police officers play a vital role, says West Yorkshire Chief Constable Colin Cramphorn.
He also says he hopes to recruit many more.
Mr Cramphorn was speaking after the Government ann- ounced a £2.5m advertising campaign to attract more special constables nationwide.
He said: "I am delighted the Home Office is taking steps to attract more special constables.
"In West Yorkshire they are a vital link between the police and the public.
"We greatly value the contribution they make to the force through their local knowledge and using that to make their community a safer place.
"We hope to increase the number of specials to 500 in the next three years."
West Yorkshire Police Authority chairman Clr Mark Burns- Williamson said: "Through consultation with the public we have identified a number of issues that matter to communities, such as visible police patrols and crime prevention.
"These are exactly the sort of things that the specials will be dealing with. We welcome the Government campaign to increase numbers in the force.
"Being a special is one of the clearest examples of community involvement and providing public reassurance."
To find out more about becoming a special constable visit website www.west yorkshire.police.uk or phone 01924 292269.
