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West Midlands Police will hire 50 special constables

A recruitment drive for special constables at cash-strapped West Midlands Police is to be launched in a bid to expand the numbers of volunteers on the force.

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Around 1,000 people have expressed an interest in the recruitment drive, which will see the force hire 50 special constables from Monday.

The application process will operate on a first-come-first-served basis, with the roles advertised on the force's website from 10am on Monday.

Successful applicants will be recruited to cover local neighbourhood teams in Wolverhampton, Walsall, Sandwell, Coventry and Birmingham city centre.

It comes as the force battles to make funding cuts of £126 million before 2015, while it will face a further £100m of cuts by 2019.

Superintendent Richard Youds, who is leading the recruitment drive, said successful applicants will be required to work a minimum of four hours each week.

He added: "Special constables provide an important link with the community, making a valuable contribution to local policing.

"Being part of the special constabulary opens up new opportunities giving real job satisfaction and transferable skills.

"Specials have the same powers as regular officers and wear the same uniform. They are given all the necessary training to enable them to carry out their duties in a professional manner.

"The hours are flexible but they will be required to volunteer to work a minimum of four hours each week or more if they can spare the time."

Those who apply will have to commit to up to 16 weeks of training, including one night a week and weekends, before starting their new role.

If successful, recruits will be sworn in at a ceremony and training will begin in January next year. It is hoped they will be fully operational by May.

For details visit www.west-midlands.police.uk/recruitment.

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