New volunteers are being sought to join the ranks of Suffolk’s Special Constabulary and help keep their county safe.

More than 200 special constables already volunteer their time to help Suffolk’s regular force keeping the county safe – but it is seeking more recruits to experience the “rewards and challenges” of policing.

The force says being a special constable helps develop skills, provides an opportunity to give back to the community as well as to become a part of a “diverse organisation that fights crime in the county”.

It is said to be a good opportunity to try police work for people considering a career as a full time officer.

Roles include carrying out patrols and helping to police major incidents and events, as well as providing links with the public.

Applicants must be 18 or older, in good health and of “good character” and will receive full training.

Karen Harris, specials, volunteers and cadets manager said: “All of our special officers are highly trained and play an essential role in preventing, reducing and tackling crime and keeping Suffolk safe.

“We are seeking applicants from all communities in our county with differing skills and experience, so if you have 16 hours a month or more to offer us, anytime of the day or night, and are interested in finding out more please come along to one of our events.”

Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore said: “I am a great supporter of the fantastic work that our Specials carry out across the county every day and I’d like to encourage anyone who is interested to come along to one of the information evenings and find out more.

“Specials are an integral part of the policing family. They are extremely valued and valuable, and play an essential role in preventing, reducing and tackling crime to help keep Suffolk safe.

“These volunteer police officers are not called Specials for nothing. We are absolutely indebted to them all, their commitment and enthusiasm is second to none. They give their time for nothing and add a completely different dimension to policing in the county.”

People are invited to attend recruitment events to find out more:

•Monday January 29 – Stowmarket – Conference Room, Cedars Hotel, Needham Road, Stowmarket, IP12 2AJ

•Tuesday February 6– Martlesham – LEC 3, Police Headquarters, Martlesham, Ipswich, IP5 3QS

•Monday February 12– Lowestoft – 6:30pm Start Conference Room, Riverside, 4 Canning Road, NR33 0EQ

•Saturday March 3– Beccles – ‘Drop in’ event 10am – 4pm – Beccles Town Hall, The Walk, Beccles, NR34 9AJ

•Monday April 9 – Ipswich – Conference Room, Landmark House, Egerton Road, Ipswich, IP1 5PB

•Tuesday April 17 – Stowmarket – Conference Room, Cedars Hotel, Needham Road, Stowmarket, IP12 2AJ

•Wednesday June 20– Stowmarket – Conference Room, Cedars Hotel, Needham Road, Stowmarket, IP12 2AJ

•Tuesday June 26– Martlesham – LEC 3, Police Headquarters, Martlesham, Ipswich, IP5 3QS

•Monday July 2 – Lowestoft – 6:30pm Start – Conference Room, Riverside, 4 Canning Road, NR33 0EQ

•Monday September 3– Stowmarket – Conference Room, Cedars Hotel, Needham Road, Stowmarket, IP12 2AJ

•Tuesday September 11– Ipswich – Conference Room, Landmark House, Egerton Road, Ipswich, IP1 5PB

All events start at 7.30pm, unless stated otherwise.

Application packs will be sent out via email after the event.

People who want to attend an information evening should confirm their attendance by e-mailing Suffolk police.

Those who cannot attend but would like to find out more can visit Suffolk Constabulary’s website.