New intake of Special Constables take Oath of Office

Nearly 30 new Special Constables took their Oath of Office last weekend, marking the beginning of their volunteer policing careers.

In total, 27 new recruits from all over the country took part in the ceremony at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan, on Saturday 31 August.

The Special Constables range in age from 18 to 56 and were welcomed into the service by Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond and Justice of the Peace, Gillian Thomson.

Following the Oath of Office Ceremony, ACC Bond said: “Becoming a volunteer police officer demonstrates a willingness and desire to make a positive impact within your local community and I am delighted to have witnessed this group of Special Constables take their first steps within their new role.

“Our Special Constables make a vital contribution to policing, while also balancing the responsibilities of full-time jobs, families, and other commitments.

“I look forward to seeing how these new Special Constables work alongside our existing volunteer police officers and full-time colleagues to make communities across the country safer.”

Volunteer Special Constables make a vital contribution to policing in Scotland. They play a vital role in supporting full-time police colleagues when responding to crime, policing major events, and providing a visible and reassuring presence to the public they serve.

Within the Lothians and Scottish Borders Division, Special Constables are deployed as part of a specialist initiative team, which sees them tackle issues such as antisocial behaviour, drug misuse, disorder and carry out vehicle checks on busy roads.

Special Constable Alistair Cameron was recently awarded the King's Police Medal for his dedication to serving communities over the past 27 years.

Alistair is one of 25 Special Constables deployed throughout the Lothians and Scottish Borders Division who support full-time colleagues in tackling crime, offering reassurance to the public and bringing criminals to justice.