Three Comet country residents are among 24 new special constables to be recruited by Hertfordshire Constabulary.

The Comet: Carl WebsterCarl Webster (Image: Archant)

The recruits – which include Emma Burch, 23, and 27-year-old Carl Webster who will be based in Stevenage, and 23-year-old Ben Davis, who will be stationed in Hitchin – underwent a rigorous selection process and a final exam before making the grade.

The Comet: Ben DavisBen Davis (Image: Archant)

They have spent the past nine weekends learning the skills needed to become a special, covering topics including first aid, self-defence, traffic laws and legal powers and procedures

Over the next 12 months the recruits will continue their training before passing out as substantive special constables.

Special constables – who are not paid but receive expenses for volunteering – have full police powers, uniform and protective equipment and work alongside the regular force.

Chief inspector Carl Foster, who leads Hertfordshire Constabulary’s recruitment of special constables, said: “Special constables are an incredibly valuable resource to the constabulary. They receive training to ensure they can play their part, being involved in all types of policing such as tackling anti-social behaviour and public order patrols.

“Specials also have the opportunity to get involved in specialist operations such as Operation Sentinel – the county’s dedicated drive to keeping criminals out of Hertfordshire through automatic number plate recognition technology.”

To find out more visit www.herts.police.uk/specials