Total of 24 new special constables for North Yorkshire

After an attestation ceremony, where the officers are sworn in and given their warrant cards, the special constables have now officially stepped into their roles.

The ceremony was held at police headquarters in Newby Wiske, where the volunteer police officers took their oath before chair of the bench of Northallerton Magistrates John Seymour.

The event was hosted by Assistant Chief Con Paul Kennedy, who welcomed the new officers to North Yorkshire Police.

He said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome our new special constables to the force.

“They perform a vital role within the police service, carrying out the same roles as regular police officers, boosting local policing teams and helping to keep our communities safe.

“They are held in high regard by their regular colleagues and members of the public alike and I wish them every success with their future, voluntary careers with the force.”

After three months of intensive initial training, officers will now be assigned a tutor constable out on their neighbourhood beats.

This person will guide them through the next phase of their training, which can take up to two years.

Julia Mulligan, North Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “The time, effort and commitment shown by special constables is inspirational. I’d like to congratulate the 24 new specials joining North Yorkshire’s ranks today and also those who already work on behalf of North Yorkshire’s public. Specials do an invaluable job within our police service, and I wish them the best of luck in their new role.”

Harrogate sees the second highest number of new special constables at five, while York has nine joining its ranks.

Three officers will be in post in Scarborough, two in Selby, two in Northallerton, and one each in Stokesley, Richmond, and Whitby.

The new special constables based in Harrogate are: SC Kayleigh Holmes, SC Jonathan Marsden, SC Nichola Bell, SC Christopher Bolton, and SC David Fisher.