ANOTHER 12 special constables have been welcomed to North Yorkshire Police – bringing the total number this year to 59.

The volunteer police officers were attested in front of family and friends at Northallerton Magistrates’ Court by chair of the bench John Seymour.

The attestation followed their intensive initial training period of three months.

They will now be assigned a tutor constable on their neighbourhood beats who will guide them through the next phase of their training, which can take up to two years.

Chief Officer for Citizens in Policing, Mike Maiden, who is also a volunteer, said: “The officers have undertaken a very intensive training programme and have now realised their aspiration of holding the office of special constable.

“They are now a very welcome part of the policing family and can look forward to a very rewarding and worthwhile career.”

Police and crime commissioner Julia Mulligan added: “Specials play an important part in the policing of North Yorkshire.

“To see volunteers as dedicated and professional as special constables working hard to make our communities a safer place is always inspiring, and I wish our new Specials the best of luck in their careers.”

Specials are volunteer officers who give up their own time to support their regular colleagues.

They play a key role in local policing and have the same powers in law as regular police officers, including the power of arrest.

Specials come from all walks of life and volunteer a minimum of four hours a week to their local police force, forming a vital link between the regular police and the local community.