ESSEX Police wants to double its number of special constables in Clacton.

Tendring divisional commander Chief Insp Russ Cole was at the Tendring Jobs and Careers Fair to call for more volunteers.

“We currently have 22 specials in Clacton, but we would like to double that,” he said.

“It is a voluntary position, but it is not policing on the cheap.

“Special constables are massively important – they deliver a local police response to problems.

“Specials live in the community, work in the community and socialise in the community.

“They also aren’t just paired up and left to get on with it, they will be a real part of the force, working alongside regular cops.”

Mr Cole praised specials for their part in a drugs raid in Brightlingsea earlier this month, where they seized 50 suspected cannabis plants.

After being vetted, special constables are given 20 days of training either in an intensive course or to fit around their work commitments.

For more information, go to Essex.police.uk/specials