POLICE are on a drive to recruit more special constables in Okehampton after a plummet in numbers in recent years.

With just five specials in the force, the aim is to at least double that number by the end of the year.

Work, family and social commitments have resulted in a drastic drop in special constables in the last five years — at one time there were as many as 15 in Okehampton.

Sergeant Dave Prywata, who has been given the task of boosting the numbers, said there were so many benefits to being a special constable in return for a minimum of four hours' commitment a week.

He said: 'People have so many demands on their time now that it is not easy recruiting specials but those who do join find it is a great way of helping the community and developing themselves as people at the same time.'

Teamwork, practical thinking and confidence are some skills people can develop through joining the special constabulary.

'We get all sorts of people from teachers to the unemployed and mums and dads who want a change from work and looking after the kids,' said the officer.

If your job means sitting in an office all day, then chasing criminals or attending a road accident on the A30 can offer a different challenge, Sgt Prywata said. A lot of people joined for the excitement of the job and you never knew what was going to happen while on duty.

'Special constables have the same powers as the regular officers and can enjoy the same responsibilities,' he said.

'They can assist in every section of Okehampton Police Station including CID and Traffic. All training is provided and ranges from self-defence to radio procedures.'

The sergeant is also keen to promote and develop the social side of the special constabulary through social events.

Large employers and youth groups are being approached and regular displays outside Waitrose in Okehampton are being planned to try and recruit new members — a similar campaign has worked well in Tavistock.

Recruits need to be between the ages of 18 and-a-half and 50, and physically fit. You do not need a driving licence but if you do possess one, you can be authorised to drive for the police.

Section officer of the special constabulary in Okehampton Alistair Hodgson manages to juggle his voluntary work with being a technology teacher at Okehampton College and running a driving school.

'I have been with the specials on and off since 1986 and joined because I wanted to do something connected with the community,' he said.

'It is one of those jobs where you never know what is going to face you when you go out on duty — there is plenty of variety and it can be very exciting.

'I have dealt with everything from dead bodies to missing persons, road traffic accidents and burglaries — the most adrenaline pumping moment for me was arresting a burglar after chasing him down a dark alleyway.'

Mr Hodgson said what he enjoyed was the job satisfaction from knowing he had made a positive input into the community and being on the front line where he saw a very broad section of life.

'People are very critical of policing in rural areas and the police have come in for some bad press over the last few years — that was what motivated me to rejoin really — it is easy to criticise but I wanted to take the other option and do something about it.'

Anyone interested in becoming a special can contact Sgt Dave Prywata at Okehampton Police Station or the Specials Recruitment Department at Police Headquarters. Ring 0990 777444 to be connected.