CLEVELAND Police is opening applications for Special Constables from Monday (April 19).

The Special Constables, like their regular officer colleagues, play a pivotal role in the Force.

Becoming a ‘Special’ gives people the chance to work alongside police officers and staff, bringing skills and experiences from their day jobs and allowing them to give something back to the area.

The Force is looking to recruit a cohort of Special Constables in the autumn period and further cohorts are projected for 2022.

Cleveland Police asks that each person contributes to a minimum of 16 hours per month.

Special Constabulary Chief Officer, David Robinson, said: “As part of the Special Constabulary each person makes a difference, helping to protect and support Cleveland and the diverse people who make up our local communities.

“Specials are involved in a wide cross-section of policing, from large operations like public events to much smaller operations, foot patrols and responding to incidents as they come in.

“It’s a very rewarding role and I would encourage anyone who may be interested to get in touch to find out more or simply send in their application.”

Questions can be put to serving Special Constables on the @clevelandpolice Instagram today (Thursday) at 6pm tomorrow.

For further information on Special Constables, their role and how to apply, please visit: https://www.cleveland.police.uk/police-forces/cleveland-police/areas/cleveland-police/careers/careers/special-constabulary/

Applications will be open for a period of two weeks from Monday (April 19) or when 200 applications are reached, whichever is sooner.