Special Constable Grenville Eden is one of 74 special constables currently working in Shropshire but the force is always keen for more people to volunteer.
Special constables carry out a variety of roles alongside regular officers to help police their communities. They are trained, have the same powers as a regular police officer and are expected to give a minimum of four hours service a week.
SC Eden has been a Special for nine years in Bridgnorth. He said: “There isn’t really a part of my role as a Special I don’t like. Things like fatal road collisions aren’t pleasant but they are part of the job.
Regular
“My wife was also a Special before becoming a community support officer. Anybody over the age of 18 is eligible to apply to join as a Special. Many special constables end up joining the regular force at some stage and the experience they already have as a volunteer stands them in good stead to get through the application process.”
For more information call (01905) 747174 or visit www.westmercia.police.uk
Shropshire’s most senior police officer has praised the work of community volunteers who give up time to assist with policing. Chief Superintendent Andy Roshelle said members of the public from teenagers to pensioners were providing a valuable service in a variety of support roles.
“We are very grateful for the work they put in,” said Chief Supt. Roshelle, speaking to mark the start of Policing West Mercia – Get Involved Week, highlighting how people can get help the police make their communities a safer and better place.
“They bring a huge range of skills which support front-line officers, freeing them up to concentrate on reducing and preventing crime.”
