You may think that you just don’t have the time to become a special – however, you will find that once you join, you will end up making time.

To be in active service, you must give four hours of time each week, which, when you think about it is a very small amount of time. Many people who join as a special constable find that they want to spend more than four hours each week on duty and quite often spend one or two full shifts out with their colleagues.

Because it is such a varied and interesting role, the time flies and it’s easy to spend a whole day or night out in the community.

Employers are usually supportive of those who choose to become special constables, and quite often see the benefits and encourage their employees to take the extra training on offer as this has knock-on benefits for both the employer and employee.

Your employer will be asked for a reference, so it’s worth sitting down with them and taking the time to explain what you are doing, when you are doing it, and most importantly – why you are doing it.

If you don’t work, or work part-time it’s a great way to make new friends and gives a perfect grounding for finding work in the future – you will build confidence and skills that will carry over to other areas of your life.

You will only ever be expected to do what you can realistically fit in and will never be pushed to do more hours or come in on days when you really don’t want to. The support is there right from the moment you apply all the way through your career as a special constable.

You will find that you will soon fit into a routine where you know when it’s best for you to attend and you’ll also work out when you most enjoy going out on the beat. The most important thing is that you strike a good balance between work and personal commitments along with your volunteer police work.