A recruitment drive has been launched for two new volunteer detectives to help investigate some of the most serious crimes in Essex.

Essex Police is looking for people who can volunteer for a minumum of 16 hours a month as Special Constables alongside serving detectives.

The successful candidates will undergo the same training as all Special Constables and will then continue their training alongside detectives in the major crime unit and serious economic crime unit.

Anyone interested will have to attend a recruitment event on Tuesday, January 15, at Essex Police Sports and Social Club in Chelmsford to apply.

All attendees, including guests, are asked to bring photographic ID to the event and need to book a place via www.essex.police.uk/specialsTemporary Detective Superintendent Stephen Jennings, from Essex Police’s serious crime directorate, said: “Do you want to help investigate the most serious crimes in Essex including murders, attempted murders, stranger rapes and kidnappings? Could you help us investigate complex fraud and corruption cases, money laundering and electoral fraud?

“If so, you could be a great fit for our major crime unit or our serious economic crime unit. We are looking for people to join our Special Constabulary and work alongside serving detectives to bring justice to some of the most serious criminals in Essex.

“You’ll help to execute warrants, capture evidence and give crime prevention advice to help us in our fight against crime.

“Come along to our recruitment event to hear more about the role. I will be there to talk to you about the role of a SCD Special, our team can talk you through the recruitment process and we’ll be on hand to take any questions you have.”

Specials are reimbursed for expenses and a number of employers across the county are part of the Essex Police employer supported policing scheme where an employee is given a certain amount of paid days per year to go on duty in their communities.

In order to join:

• People will need to be over 18

• Be a British, Commonwealth, European Economic Area (EEA) citizen or have an indefinite right to stay in the UK

• Have resided in the UK for a continuous period of three years immediately prior to the date of application

• Be medically able to join the Special Constabulary