AS we approach the warmer and hopefully the sunnier months of the year, the number of fetes, parades, carnivals and other civic occasions increases.

Safely policing these events would prove to be very resource intensive, were it not for the help and support of our Special Constable colleagues.

All Special Constables are volunteers who perform the role of regular officers in specific areas with a high level of training.

West Mercia Special Constabulary currently has 228 serving officers with a steady intake of new volunteers being trained.

The number of people volunteering to become Special Constables is a continuing need and their contribution to the force is extremely valuable, providing a strong, reassuring presence within our communities.

We are particularly blessed in Wyre Forest with a team of dedicated and long-standing colleagues who are willing to parade day and night.

If anyone is interested in joining the Specials please contact Pete Trueman on 0300 333 3000 extension 61174.

This is actually my last article. After three years as District Chief Inspector, and the best part of 17 years of working in the district, I have moved to a headquarters post which supports local policing across the whole of the West Mercia area.

Chief Inspector Angela Burnet, the former Redditch Chief Inspector, has now taken responsibility for Local Policing across the whole of North Worcestershire and she will be supported by Inspector Paul Crowley who remains Wyre Forest District Inspector.

I believe these articles have provided a useful additional method of communicating with the community and expect them to continue with a new author next month.

As a resident of Wyre Forest I will continue to take a particular interest in local matters and I am confident that your local police will continue to serve, protect and make a difference.

Chief Insoector Jim Baker Kidderminster Police