CUMBRIA Police are holding open days in Barrow and Kendal to incite people to become a Special Constable.

On January 18 in Kendal and January 25 in Barrow between 2pm and 4pm, Cumbria Police will be holding open afternoons for people to come and speak to current Special Constable’s and Police Officers to get a feel for the role and see if it is something for them.

Representatives from the Criminal Investigation Department, Roads Policing Unit and officers from the local Neighbourhood Policing Teams will be available to have a chat with anyone interested in becoming a Special Constable.

Anyone can come along and see what being a Special Constable entails, what the role could do for them and how fulfilling it can be.

Caroline Powney, a Special Constable and who has been helping organise the day’s, said: “We’d be very pleased to see anyone that is considering becoming a Special Constable at either Kendal or Barrow. 

"It’s a great opportunity to chat to our existing team and find out what the role involves, as well as why they enjoy it and what they’ve got out of it so far.

“We welcome anyone, from any walk of life, who is interested in the Special Constabulary to come along. People who are already working but are looking for another interest, to those who had retired and looking to do something to occupy themselves, the Specials could be for you.”

Inspector Paul Latham, from Kendal Police Station said: “Special constables come from all walk of life bringing  different skills and experience to policing, they make an essential contribution to policing  and their  community within Cumbria.

"Special Constables support police officers  in delivering a full range of police services, there is no better way to gain a clear insight into the role of a police officer.

"Having  to cope with the unexpected, think quickly and work as a team is just some aspects of the role. Working as a Special Constable is a varied, challenging and rewarding.” 

Inspector Mike O’Hagan, from Barrow Police Station, added: “The role of Special Constable is a vast , varied but rewarding role. It allows members of the public  to put something back into their respective communities, whilst allowing them to gain life experience.

"I too would urge people with an interest in a policing career to take this  opportunity to fully understand the role whilst  gaining  a unique insight into the communities we serve.”

If you are interested in becoming a Special Constable, and want an insight into what they do on a daily basis, you can follow them on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/CumbriaSpecials