The newly appointed officer is trying to recruit more specials this weekend as part of his vision for policing in the district.

He said: "Previously, the force in Diss was administered from Norwich, but it is now at a district level.

"I want to reinvigorate the special constabulary in south Norfolk as a whole, but especially in Diss.

"It is to complement our vision of the south Norfolk policing structure – to increase local policing presence in and around our area."

Supt Sanford wants to add to the five special constables who currently operate in the Diss area, with the district having proportionately fewer specials than other parts of Norfolk.

Last year, the voluntary force contributed 60,000 hours of police time across Norfolk.

Supt Sanford believes increased police visibility on the streets will reassure and help reduce crime.

He said: "It is about having that friendly face. A uniform does wonders in terms of a reduction in crime and increases the confidence of the public."

There will be few areas of policing new specials will not be involved in, and there will be opportunities in neighbourhood policing, targeting drink drivers, attending local events, and policing on Friday and Saturday nights in Diss.

They will be given a police uniform, learn skills including the use of handcuffs, CS spray, unarmed defence training, using police powers of arrest and putting together evidential files.

There is a requirement to undertake two training modules and flexible hours are offered, although a minimum of 16 hours per month is required.

LIFE AS A SPECIAL

Paul Chapman, 31, has been a special constable for 12 years and operates mainly in Diss.

He said the reason he signed up was for the challenge, the excitement and to learn new things.

He said each shift was different: "We deal with everything from a runover dog on the main road up to a serious incident which could involve calling in a helicopter.

"On a typical day, I come on around 8pm on a Friday and speak to the sergeant who is in charge and find out what the regular officers are concentrating on.

"The sergeant may deploy us to a specific area. We also book onto the control room, who let us know about outstanding jobs we need to complete.

"We then get into a police car and travel to a specific area or have a drive around Diss

"From 10pm, we will move to the town centre, talk to bouncers and make sure there is no trouble.

"We will arrest people if necessary, such as if there is a fight and take them to Bethel Street station in Norwich and deal with the paperwork – it can take anything from two to three hours.

"We also do general patrols around town, speaking to the public and youngsters, making sure they are okay.