CALLINGTON police station is looking to take on more special constables in a countywide recruitment drive to boost the the number of volunteers by 40. Applications are now being encouraged and those who are successful will begin their training in April, before taking to the streets in June. The anticipated intake will bring the number of special constables to around 200 in the county, increasing high visibility policing in local communities. Callington police sergeant Brett Phillips said for anyone who had a desire to join the police, it was a great way to find out if it was the right career for them. 'What they will be experiencing is for real because specials have the same powers and responsibilities as a fully fledged constable,' he said. Special constables are members of the public who volunteer at least four hours of their time a week or 16 hours per month to help make their communities a safer place to live. They carry out the full range of frontline police operational duties and work alongside their regular colleagues, supporting them with local policing issues, helping to prevent crime and disorder, and forging stronger links between their local communities and the police. Specials are supplied with a similar uniform to their regular colleagues and are issued with the same equipment. Inspector Dave Scott said: 'People join the special constabulary for a variety of reasons. For example, they may have aspirations to become a regular officer or would like to give something back to the community. I would encourage people who are interested to apply. 'There are many different aspects and opportunities in the role of the special constabulary, ranging from attending a road traffic collision, obtaining a witness statement from an elderly victim of crime, policing large events, or working as a neighbourhood beat officer.' Those who wish to join must be over the age of 18, of good character, pass the police initial recruitment test and be fit and in good health. They will receive training and won't work alone until their supervisors are confident of their abilities. Applications for the special constable positions in Cornwall must be made by the end of February. More information about volunteering is available from special constabulary co-ordinator Anne Hasyn on 01392 224010.