The Metropolitan Police Service is looking for Special individuals who want to make a positive contribution to their local community.

On Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd April 2006 the Met will be hosting two open days in a bid to recruit more Special Constables.

The event will be held at the Hotel Ibis, 47 Lillie Road near West Brompton Tube/BR between 10:00 and 16:00. Staff will be on hand to answer any questions potential candidates may have.

For anyone who decides they want to become Special Constable they can complete a written test on the day, which includes a short video clip. Those successful at the written test may also be able to secure an interview the same day and could be well on their way to becoming a volunteer police officer.

The open days are part of a wider Specials recruitment drive - the MPS hopes to recruit up to 1,400 Special Constables during the next 12 months.

Specials usually work around eight hours every two weeks and in doing so make London a safer place to live. It is an exciting and challenging opportunity, which gives all the skills of police training. The work is unpaid, though volunteers do receive free travel both on and off duty on London's buses, tubes and DLR.

Specials receive full training, both in the classroom and on the beat to ensure that they are fully prepared for the role. They have exactly the same powers as regular police officers, who they assist in policing crime hotspots and major public events.

The range of duties available to Specials is extremely varied with postings ranging from the Specials Tasking Unit dealing with alcohol related disorder on a Saturday night, to the Arts and Antiques Unit to Safer Neighbourhoods Teams.

Chief Superintendent Steve Bloomfield, Head of Safer Neighbourhoods said "Specials have a real role to play in reducing crime and keeping the public safe and they are an important link between the police and the community. It increases our uniformed presence on the streets of London and when Specials aren't in uniform they are the eyes and ears on the ground".

Come along on the day or if you can't make it visit www.metpolicecareers.co.uk/specials for further information.

April 19, 2006