VOLUNTEER Specials Constables have given nearly 1,000 hours of their own time in the last six months to support those experiencing a mental health crisis.

Between January and June this year, the volunteer officers have spent 993 hours of their time on duty staffing Essex Police’s two mental health triage cars.

The cars are staffed from 10am to 2am seven days a week with one trained police officer and one mental health nurse.

They are available to support officers across the county attending incidents where an individual involved may be suffering mental health difficulties.

Once the car is called to an incident, the on-board nurse can provide an immediate assessment whilst at the scene, ensuring that the individual involved receives the correct treatment and support.

In the last six months a team of nine Special Constables, who have all been specially trained, have carried out 106 duties, made up of 993 hours, in the car.

Last month alone the nine specials provide 249 hours of frontline support to those suffering a mental health crisis.

Supt Simon Anslow, who is leading Essex Police’s programme to recruit Special Constables, said: “Our team of volunteer officers make a huge contribution to the policing of our county, giving up thousands of hours to keep Essex safe.

“This team of nine Special Constables are no exception to that, giving up nearly 1,000 hours in just six months to look after the most vulnerable members of our community and supporting them at a time of crisis.

“This shows how being a Special really does give you the opportunity to give something back to your community and also showcases the variety of policing that the role entails.

“If you want to make a difference and be part of the policing family, join us as a Special Constable.”

Essex Police launched a major campaign in May this year, called “My Other Life”, to recruit more volunteer officers.

Special Constables have full police powers, uniforms, equipment and training.

To become a Special you need to be: 18 or over; commit to a minimum of 16 hours each months for operational duties plus mandatory training; meet the required fitness standard; and commit to the initial training requirement of 20 days.

All you need to know about becoming a Special Constable can be found here: www.essex.police.uk/specials