A RECORD number of people applied to become part-time bobbies in the latest recruitment drive for Special Constables in North Yorkshire.

Between January 4 and February 1 a total of 276 applications were received – and 341 people began an application but did not finish it.

Chief Constable Dave Jones, who is also the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s lead for Citizens in Policing, said: “We are delighted with the number of applications this year, which shows an increase of nearly 100 applicants compared to our campaign at the same time last year.

“I would like to thank everyone for applying to join North Yorkshire Police as a Special and wish them the very best of luck as they go through the next stages of what is a very stringent assessment process.”

The applicants will now be shortlisted and invited to attend a familiarisation event. They will then go through a rigorous selection process which includes a situational judgement test, a written activity, a competency based interview, final interview, fitness test, a medical and vetting process.