A series of information evenings are being held by Suffolk Police Special Constabulary in the coming weeks in a bid to encourage more people to think about becoming a volunteer officer.

The evenings give local residents the opportunity to find out more about what being a voluntary police officer involves, the benefits and the contribution they can make to help keep Suffolk safe.

The dates are:

Monday, November 9 at the Cedars Hotel, Needham Road, Stowmarket, IP14 2AJ, from 7.30pm.

Monday, November 16 at the police headquarters, Martlesham Heath, IP5 3QS, from 7.30pm.

Tuesday, December 1 at Riverside, 4 Canning Road, Lowestoft, NR33 0QS, from 7pm.

Monday, December 7 at Newmarket Best Western Hotel, Moulton Road, CB8 8DY, from 7.30pm.

Becoming a special constable is a good way for people to try police work before applying to become a full-time officer, and to give something back to their communities.

Around 250 individuals, from a variety of different backgrounds, already volunteer a few hours each month to support regular full-time police officers across the county.

Anyone aged 18 and over can volunteer, and could become involved in uniformed patrols, drugs warrants, make arrests, help police at events such as the Suffolk Show and be be part of Safer Neighbourhood Teams.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering but unable to attend the meetings can get more information online at www.suffolk.police.uk.

To confirm attendance at one of the events, email HR-Recruitment@suffolk.pnn.police.uk.