LISTEN: Dunfermline officer speaks as Police Scotland launch campaign to recruit special constables

Kingdom FM News has been hearing from a Dunfermline based special constable as Police Scotland starts a campaign to recruit more voluntary officers.

It has launched its campaign today in a bid to boost the number of voluntary police officers as there has been a drop since the force's formation in 2013. 

Special constables have the same powers as full-time police officers and help out in walking the streets of local communities to keep them safe, assisting at road accidents and policing football matches.

Some officers who have volunteered for the force have gone on to work in the police on a full-time basis.

Police Scotland's campaign will feature on social media and on campaign posters.

Assistant Chief Constable John Hawkins said: "Police Scotland undoubtedly benefits from the experience volunteers bring, but it's also an opportunity unlike any other where you gain confidence, new skills and get the chance to help people in need or make their life better.

"Anyone is eligible to apply to become a special constable as long as they satisfy some basic requirements for the role but ultimately we are looking for people who want to make a real difference to their communities and can bring a fresh perspective to the team they work in.

"The more varied your background, the more diverse our workforce will be."

Steven Coyle has been a special constable for nearly two decades and was first based in Cowdenbeath before Fife Constabulary became Police Scotland.

The officer, who has a full time career outside of the police, is currently based at Dunfermline station.

You can hear more from him about how he got involved in becoming a voluntary police officer: