WHAT do an ex miner, a working mum and a shopkeeper all have in common?

They are all giving their time to protect Barnsley folk by serving as Special Constables.

28 per cent of the last intake of regular Police Officers in South Yorkshire had previously worked as Special Constables. Barnsley are now seeking to recruit 25 new Special Constables and are holding a recruitment drive on 25 July, Peel Square, Barnsley.

50 year old, Paul Spittle, a former miner at Grimethorpe colliery who spent 12 months standing on the picket lines in the 80s, became a Special over two years ago. Paul who has lived in Barnsley his entire life enjoys the role so much that he volunteers for between 50 and 80 hours per month, serving with the Central Safer Neighbourhood Team.

"Since the pits closed no other job has really fulfilled that sense of togetherness and team work," said Paul, whose day job is in a security firm in Sheffield.

"Suddenly, at 50 years old, I am doing something that allows me to problem solve, help people, and protect those that are more vulnerable than I am. I also get training to improve my own skills."

Special Constables undergo around 17 weeks of training and have the same Powers as a regular Police Officer. Paul Spittle has recently been promoted to Special Sergeant, which means he is responsible for a team of Special Constables. "This is probably the most fulfilling job I've done in 20 years and I would recommend it to anyone. If you can communicate well, you are honest, you care about people and you care about Barnsley, then you can be a Special Constable."

A team of ten Barnsley Special Constables will be on Peel Square, Barnsley Town centre on 25 July between 10:00hrs and 16:00hrs. They will be taking details from anyone interested in joining the Specials in Barnsley. For more information on how you can join please come on down to Peel Square or call 0114 2821234.

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