New special constables to start training

Published on 28/08/2012 13:14

A NEW intake of 50 special constables is set to start training next month after being recruited by Lothian and Borders Police.

The special constables will undertake an intensive ten-week training regime to ready them for working with the force. Specials are trained in arrest techniques, taking witness statements, dealing with conflicts and handling traffic.

Between April and June, the 158 special constables currently with the force completed 4708 hours on duty.

A total of 58 specials work in Edinburgh, with the rest spread throughout the force area.

They are regularly assigned to community beat patrols as well as policing big events such as football matches.

Earlier this month, police chiefs suspended a special constable who was seen apparently giving a “5-1” salute to fans during the Edinburgh derby.

The officer was pictured making the hand gesture, a reminder of the scoreline when Hearts beat Hibs in the Scottish Cup final in May.