New special constable officers join the force at Hertfordshire Constabulary.

Five new Special Constables have joined Hertfordshire Constabulary as a Special Constable on January 9.

Special Constables have full police powers, uniform and protective equipment and work alongside the regular force.

During 11 weeks of training, new recruits learnt about basic law around theft, public order, assaults, traffic, powers of arrest and Stop and Search.

They also used a virtual learning environment, which trained them in legislation.

Each graduate went through a rigorous selective process and had to pass a final exam and practical assessment.

Sophie O’Connor who works in the Force and Control Room at Hertfordshire Constabulary was one of the graduates who will operate in Watford.

Holly Wilkinson, who works in IT, will operate in Dacorum.

Both Rhiannon Ellis and Jade Gransby, who are studying criminology and criminal justice at university, will operate in St Albans.

James Riddick, who works in water safety, will operate in Broxbourne.

They were joined on the evening by family, friends and local dignitaries, including Broxbourne Mayor Steven Wortley, Dacorum Mayor Terry Douris, St Albans Mayor Janet Smith, Welwyn Hatfield Mayor Roger Trigg and Watford Vice Chairman Aga Dychton.

Over the next 12 months, the new recruits will continue their training, allowing them to pass out as substantive Special Constables once they are assessed as fit for independent patrol.

Special Constabulary chief officer, Mark Kendrew said: “Our new volunteers have been through a rigorous recruitment process and spent a number of weeks completing the intensive training required to fulfil the role of a Special Constable.

“Becoming a Special Constable brings with it the promise of being involved in something exciting, worthwhile and that makes a real difference in the local community as well as having the chance to learn new skills.

“I have no doubt they will make a significant contribution to policing in Hertfordshire.”

To sign up as a volunteer officer, an information evening is behind held in the evening on Wednesday 22 January at Police Headquarters in Welwyn Garden City for people to find out more.

Email to register at specialsrecruitment@herts.pnn.police.uk