Specials out in force for Vision

Vision, a large scale public reassurance and consultation exercise which has been running across the county since September, has small towns and rural areas as this month’s theme.

Regular officers, volunteer staff and some of the Special Constabulary were out in force at Sandy, Biggleswade, Potton and the villages in between, on Wednesday (May 18). Between them they visited 750 properties talking to residents and offering advice.

However on Saturday, it is the turn of the Special Constables – volunteer officers with the full powers of a regular paid police officer – to run the show.

Bedfordshire’s own Special officers will be fielding a sixty-strong team in Great Barford on Saturday throughout the day and they will be focusing on a variety of community issues that residents have voiced concerns about.

These include speeding traffic, dangerous parking, underage drinking, anti-social behaviour and crime reduction – and with the help of the police cadets (aged 15 to 18) they will also be knocking on doors throughout those areas introducing themselves.

In addition, 40 other Special Constables are joining Bedfordshire’s own team from the rest of the eastern region police forces. They will concentrate on traffic matters in conjunction with the regular ANPR team.

The Special Constabulary are always keen to hear from people who would like to give 16 hours a month or more to help their community in a policing role.

When on duty, Special Constables have the same powers and equipment as a regular paid officer and assist in many large and small scale operations from community patrols to policing large scale events such as the Bedford River Festival.

Find out more about the Special Constabulary and how to get involved at www.bedspolicecareers.co.uk