The Special Constabulary is made up of volunteer officers who offer support to regular police officers, reducing crime in local areas. Specials are an important part of the police family providing invaluable assistance to colleagues and helping to deliver stronger communities.

There are currently over 14,000 special constables around the country and 240 are serving in South Yorkshire.

Specials are ordinary people who come from all walks of life. What makes them so extraordinary is that they juggle busy lives and personal commitments with volunteer police work in order to help make their communities a safer place to live.

Specials stand out from the crowd: after a hard day at work they have the drive and dedication to devote some of their free time to working with the police, which often involves having to deal with difficult situations quickly and efficiently.

The Special Constabulary is a self-sufficient organisation, with its own grade structure to help administer and develop its staff.

As a special you will have the same police powers as a regular officer and wear a similar uniform. Special constables can be identified by the initials "SC" and a crown above their collar number.

Special constables carry out many different duties including high visibility patrols to reassure the community, helping to deal with antisocial behaviour and participating in crime reduction initiatives targeted at local problems.

You might have to deal with complex situations such as fights, fires and road collisions as well as crime-prevention activities and public safety and security at local or major events.

You will be working as one of a team and the experiences you share in working closely together can lead to lasting friendships. You will learn more about life and human nature than most people will ever see.

No two shifts are ever the same in the Special Constabulary. You will have to be prepared for any eventuality and demonstrate flexibility.