Published: Friday, 5th February, 2010 12:22pm

'Special' police weekend in Berkshire East

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SPECIAL Constables across Berkshire East will take to the streets this weekend, as part of a national drive to highlight the vital role they perform and the contribution they make to policing.

Slough will see Special Constables supporting their regular colleagues in tackling anti-social behaviour within certain areas of the borough.

In Windsor and Maidenhead, Special Constables will be taking part in high visibility patrols in crime hotspots across the borough.

The overarching aim of the weekend's efforts will be to continue to reduce crime, fear and disorder across the three local police areas, and to increase public confidence in policing.

There are currently a total of 77 special constables working across Berkshire East. Each constable gives up his or her time, free of charge, in order to make the communities they police a better place to live.

Most special constables have a full time job and are asked to give a minimum commitment of 18 hours a month.

In return, Thames Valley Police provides them with full training, experienced advice and support, and the opportunity to fulfil an exciting and varied posting.

Although they are volunteers, a special constable does the same job and has the same powers, uniform and equipment as a regular police officer.

Supt Chris Shead, Local Police Area (LPA) Commander for Slough, said: "Special constables are volunteers who provide a valuable contribution towards the provision of an effective policing service in their local community. They provide additional visibility, resilience and reassurance and often provide a further link to the community that might otherwise not be made. They form a vital part of the police family and their contribution cannot be underestimated in Slough."

Similar comments were echoed by Supt Tim De Meyer, LPA Commander for the Royal Borough, and Ch Insp Simon Bowden, LPA Commander for Bracknell Forest.

Speaking about his specials, Supt De Meyer said: "They are invaluable. They provide welcome additional support and expertise at our busiest times and are an excellent link between the police and the community."

For more information on the special constabulary in the Thames Valley, please click on the following link: http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/join-vpoloff-special