MONMOUTH'S Special Constabulary are holding an open evening at the town's Police Station tomorrow (Friday).
The open evening will be from 7 pm to 9 pm when people can drop in and have a chat with the Specials to see what they do.
The evening will be followed by a display at Waitrose on Saturday.
The move is part of a national recruiting campaign to get more people joining the Specials.
Applicants must be aged between 181/2 and 55, of reasonably good health and of good character.
Divisional Officer Gerald Edwards is in charge of Monmouth's section assisted by officers John Hancock, Martin Barnfield and Phill Cox.
Inspector Peter Davies of Monmouth Police said the campaign was part of an ongoing process to recruit Specials. Altogether they wanted another 10 members for the Division.
The minimum commitment is four hours a week, although Specials can serve more hours if they wish. Full training will be given with an eight week course two nights a week. There will also be two sessions at Headquarters where trainees will be given lessons on basic self defence and the use of equipment.
Successful applicants will be working with both regular officers and other Special constables and would have a wide range of duties - from checking in lost property to dealing with a murder.
Uniforms are provided, along with travelling and meal allowances.
Phill, a quality assurance manager with Sogefi Filtration of Newport, chose to work in Monmouth.
"I was going to join the regulars when I left school but went into engineering. I always had a desire to join the Police Force and as my career developed I found this is the best way for me to go.
"I get a lot of satisfaction from doing something for the community, by going out and talking to people. I find it interesting what you learn from it. I enjoy it.
"The regular officers treat you just like one of them. Within 15 minutes of starting here I was out on a call."
He joined in August and does an eight hour shift every week.
Gerald has been a Special for 19 years and still enjoys it.
Specials have the same powers as regular officers and Insp Davies says he is looking at expanding their responsibilities. They have already taken over at Monmouth Police Station for a weekend and Insp Davies is hoping to give them more responsibility for policing Raglan.
"As the Inspector I am totally confident in their abilities and I fully appreciate what they do for the community."
Insp Davies said as well as Special Constables he was hoping to recruit more community volunteers, particularly in Raglan. They have had a good response from previous appeals, but would welcome more.
Anyone who would like more information about the Special Constabulary or the community volunteers should contact either DO Gerald Edwards or PC Dai Arnold at Monmouth Police Station, 01600 712321.