Police in Somerset are launching a new recruitment campaign, asking people to join the services and begin a second career as a volunteer police officer.

Volunteer police officers – or Special Constables, as they are known, provide an important link between their community and the police. Police recognise the benefit different life experiences and perspectives can bring to policing and are particularly interested in receiving applications from people from an ethnic minority background, and women.

Andy Bennett QPM, Specials Chief Officer – explains the role: "Special constables hold the same powers as regular police officers and work alongside them to prevent and detect crime, wearing identical uniform and issued with the same personal safety equipment and communication devices. There are many of our specials who report that the role has changed their lives and we are very grateful to them for their ongoing commitment.

"This campaign is important – we need more people to join us, and we hope by sharing the stories of the some of the amazing people already serving as volunteer officers that more people will consider it. We want to highlight to lots of different people that it could be possible in their situation. The role provides a unique opportunity for people to spend some of their spare time making a true and significant difference in their communities."

The recruitment campaign comes shortly after a survey carried out by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) found that 14% of the 784 officers in Avon and Somerset Constabulary who responded, said they were planning to leave the service, or are actively looking for new jobs.

About 4% said they intended to resign from the force within the next two years and 10% stated they are already looking for other employment.

For anyone interested in finding out more or joining as a volunteer police officer, please visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/specials