There’s a new man at the top of Hertfordshire’s 300-strong team of volunteer police officers.

Chief Insp Damien Kennedy, who has taken over the role from Chief Insp Carl Foster, began his police career in London back in 1989.

After four years on the beat in uniform he worked as a detective with stints in the vice squad and on a murder investigation team.

He transferred out of the capital to Herts in 2006, serving as a detective inspector before becoming safer neighbourhood inspector for East Herts, where he worked closely with special constables.

He has also worked in the community safety unit, on paedophile investigation and the sexual offences investigation unit.

Since 2013, Damien’s been a chief inspector, overseeing the force’s mobile data project introducing new technology, such as tablet computers, for officers to use while on patrol.

He said this week: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of head of the special constabulary and am looking forward to continuing the hard work already undertaken to keep Hertfordshire’s specials among the best performing in the country.

“I have always been impressed by people who volunteer in their spare time, but to take on the role of volunteer police officer demonstrates great character and dedication.

“I am amazed by the level of work our volunteer police officers undertake every day as part of their duties and am looking forward to working with them.”

There are plans to increase the number of specials in the county to more than 400 over the next year.

To find out more, visit www.herts.police.uk/specials and click on ‘apply online’.