New specials join the ranks of North Yorkshire Police

North Yorkshire Police’s Special Constabulary has been boosted by the appointment of 15 new officers.

The volunteer police officers were sworn in at an attestation ceremony at York Magistrates’ Court on the evening of Wednesday 27 June 2012.

Miss Aileen Bloomer, York and Selby Bench Chairperson, attested each new officer before they were presented with their warrant cards.

Their appointment brings the total number of special constables in North Yorkshire Police to

The officers have undergone an intensive course of training and will continue to undertake refresher training as well as learning on the job with their colleagues.

Assistant Chief Constable Iain Spittal attended the ceremony, he said:

It gives me great pleasure to welcome the officers to North Yorkshire Police and the wider policing family.

Special Constables play a vital role in the police service. Their contribution is very much valued and appreciated, especially as they give up their free time to carry out their duties.

The new officers can look forward to a very interesting, demanding and rewarding time with the force with the knowledge that their contribution is helping to keep the communities of North Yorkshire as safe as possible.

Other guests at the ceremony included Mr Peter G Scrope DL, High Sherriff of North Yorkshire, Superintendent Richard Anderson, who has responsibility for the Special Constabulary in North Yorkshire Police, Chief Superintendent Susan Day, Director of Response and Reassurance, Superintendent Lisa Winward, Safer Neighbourhood Commander for York and Chief Inspector Mark Iveson, Safer Neighbourhood Commander for Selby.

The ceremony took place the week before the force launches a recruitment campaign for special constables.

The special constables will be deployed in the following Safer Neighbourhood Commands:

York