Police Scotland is developing a new scheme to help recruit more special constables within rural communities across the north.
The scheme would improve accessibility for those wishing to apply and train to become special constables in remote and rural communities.
Training would be delivered locally both face to face with officers and online, allowing students to access materials related to their role as Special Constables.
Deputy Chief Constable Will Kerr, of local policing, said: “Volunteering has an extremely positive impact on people and we know the benefits this can bring between local officers and local communities.
“We want to make people feel like they can volunteer with Police Scotland – regardless of where they live.
“Very often travelling to the Scottish Police College in Fife for training is simply not practical or appealing for an applicant in areas such as Skye or Stornoway.
“We recognise that Highland and Islands Division need to have a different approach to the recruitment and retention processes in place to attract Special Constables.
“This initiative is one of many we are implementing across Police Scotland to support local issues and the needs of different communities.”
All new N Division recruits will be recruited and trained via the new local approach late 2018/early 2019.
