A Special Constables’ graduation ceremony was held at Coleg Llandrillo recently, where a group of the college’s Foundation Degree (FdSc) Policing students received their warrant cards from a magistrate and a high-ranking police chief, in front of a packed audience of families and friends.

The attestation ceremony consisted of 11 of the college’s first year degree students, who have just completed several weeks’ training on the beat with North Wales Police, receiving their warrant cards from magistrate Angeline Lawson and Deputy Chief Constable Richard Debicki.

Also, during the ceremony, nine second year students, who have just finished their 10 week tutor phase, received their certificates of achievement.

Coleg Llandrillo assistant principal, Lesley Tipping, was in attendance and spoke about the excellent partnership work between the college and North Wales Police and the links to employability.

Mark Owen, Special Constabulary Chief Officer, North Wales Police, said: “North Wales Police is currently working very closely with the college, building an outstanding relationship between students on the college’s Foundation Degree Policing course and the Special Constabulary to mutual benefit.”

One graduate, Hannah Griffiths, 18, from Mochdre, said: "I completed a Level 3 Public Services course before progressing on to the foundation degree in Policing course at the college. I have just finished the first year and have also completed a North Wales Police Special Constabulary course. The tutors have encouraged us in our career choices and I am now looking forward to going out on the streets as an operational officer."

Another Special Constable, Harri Owen, 18, from Caernarfon, said: "I was previously a police cadet before progressing to the foundation degree in Policing course at the college. Part of my course is delivered bilingually and I find this of benefit. I enjoy the variety of the course input and am now looking forward to developing my skills as an operational special constable with North Wales Police."

Michelle McBreeze, programme leader, FdSc Policing at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, said at the ceremony: “This evening marks the latest intake who have been successful in gaining entry into the North Wales Police Special Constabulary.

“I am immensely proud of this substantial contribution to policing and the partnership that exists between Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and North Wales Police, and wish to congratulate all of the learners on being attested tonight. The training that these students will receive from both ourselves and North Wales Police will hopefully ensure that these students will be given the tools to cope with the advances in crime and challenges that face today's police officers.

“We are delighted to announce that we will be offering the new BSc (Hons) Policing and Criminal Investigation course at our Rhos-on-Sea campus from September 2019.” The course will be validated and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).

Special Constables are volunteers from all walks of life, who want to do something positive for their communities. They undertake valuable work and form a vital link between the regular force and the local community. They work alongside regular officers and are expected to commit to at least four hours service a week. They are given training and a uniform, and have all the powers and authority of regular officers.

For further information on the BSc (Hons) Policing and Criminal Investigation course, go to the college website www.gllm.ac.uk and search ‘policing’.