A new website designed to step up a campaign to recruit more volunteer police officers in the Thames Valley has been launched.

The website, www.youdrawtheline.co.uk, intends to improve the recruitment process by making it easier for people thinking of becoming a Special to do so.

It also contains information about what to expect from the role, what training you will receive and what the force will expect from you.

Chief Officer Nigel Woodley said: “The campaign’s approach is to ask people if they are prepared to take practical action to prevent unacceptable behaviour in their neighbourhood.

“For many people, that is what being a Special is all about; deciding to take a personal stand against criminals in their area.

“However other people join for a number of reasons; to gain new life experiences, to see if they would like to become a regular officer, or because they want to give something back to their community.

"Many people make the decision to find out about joining as a volunteer officer, but get frustrated by a lack of information and the length of time it takes to apply. This website should make the initial process better."

The new campaign has been produced through a collaboration of three forces – Thames Valley, Hampshire and Essex. It also includes advertising and will be promoted on the Thames Valley Police Special Constabulary Facebook page.

It will be supported by a number of recruitment events and exhibitions in town and city centres across the Thames Valley.

According to Home Office figures, on average for every £1 spent on them, a member of the Special Constabulary provides £10 worth of policing.

Special Constables are volunteers who have full police powers. In return for a commitment to serve a minimum of 18 hours a month, they are given training, support and the opportunity to progress within the Thames Valley Police Special Constabulary.

For more information, to interview Chief Officer Woodley or another member of the Special Constabulary, contact Andrew Heath on 01865 846699.