Twelve new Special Constables have joined the police force.

The Special Constables were welcomed into Hertfordshire Constabulary during their Attestation Ceremony at Police Headquarters, yesterday.

Special Constables have full police powers, uniform and protective equipment and work alongside the regular force.

Those that graduated are:

• Sophie Smith, who will be based at Borehamwood Police Station

• Philip Duignan, who will be based at Hertford Police Station

• George Woods, who will be based at Hemel Hempstead Police Station

• Lamees Hoteit, who will be based at Rickmansworth Police Station

• Ashley Roe, who will be based at St Albans Police Station

• Keileigh Rankin, who will be based at Stevenage Police Station

• Jason Briers, who will be based at Stevenage Police Station

• Deborah Hatton, who will be based at Stevenage Police Station

• Benjamin Somerville-Roberts, who will be based at Stevenage Police Station

• Isaaq Yunis, who will be based at Watford Police Station

• Wayne Loeber, who will be based at Watford Police Station

• Graham Mcclymont, who will be based at Watford Police Station

During eleven weeks of training, the new recruits learnt about basic law around theft, public order, assaults, traffic, powers of arrest and Stop and Search.

Over the next 12 months, the new recruits will continue their training, allowing them to pass out as Special Constables once they are assessed as fit for independent patrol.

Assistant Chief Constable Nathan Briant awarded the Specials with their certificates.

He said: “It is a great honour to welcome these new Special Constables to the Constabulary.

“The work they do is vital in helping us to police the county.

“I want to wish them all well as they now move on to undertake this important role within the communities of Hertfordshire.”

Once initial training is complete, Specials are coached by regular officers to complete their Police Action Checklists and are then deemed fit for independent patrol. On average this can take around 12 months.

If you would like more information on becoming a Special Constable, visit www.hertspolicespecials.co.uk and click on ‘apply online’ or browse the pages to find out more.