GWENT Police special constables volunteered more than 22,000 hours last year and 27 special officers worked more than 300 hours individually.

They have been recognised by Gwent Police Assistant Chief Constable Simon Prince in a presentation ceremony where they were awarded with certificates.

Mr Prince thanked the special constables for giving up their valuable time to help keep their communities safe: Gwent Police’s 140 special constables work alongside neighbourhood teams throughout the area. Each special constable completes 17 weeks of training, which will include law, recording and presentation of evidence, powers of arrest, rights of suspects, self-defence and use of force.

They are also given training to help develop confidence in communication skills, problem solving and planning, conflict resolution and incident evaluation.