VOLUNTEER police officers are set to take to the streets across Essex after taking their oaths.

Four new members of the Essex Police Special Constabulary will take up posts in Colchester, Braintree and Southend.

They took part in a special ceremony at Essex Police Headquarters, in Chelmsford, on Monday, October 24.

They took their oath to the King in front of friends and family, as well as Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Nolan, Deputy Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner for Essex Jane Gardner, and Justice of the Peace Jacky Froggatt.

Superintendent Shaun Kane, head of the Special Constabulary, said: “Our Specials provide an invaluable service to Essex Police and the people of the county.

“I’m incredibly proud to see four new recruits take their oaths.

“It really does take a special person to volunteer their own time to help people, keep people safe, and catch criminals.

“I wish our newest recruits well and know they will make a big difference to our communities.”

Also at the ceremony, Special Superintendent Howard Rayner presented the founder and managing director of Lads Need Dads, Sonia Shaljean, with a cheque of £300.

Lads Need Dads is a Community Interest Company set up to empower and enable boys aged 11-15 with absent fathers or limited access to a male role model.

The money was raised at a fundraising event.

Ms Shaljean said: “It was such a privilege to attend the ceremont, not only to witness the new recruits reciting their oaths to the service, but to be presented with a cheque for £300 raised by the Essex Police Specials at their recent fundraiser.

“It means a lot to us that we were one of their chosen organisations to support.”