DYFED-Powys Police is celebrating the extra support its Special Constabulary provide the force, as it marks National Specials Weekend.

From Friday, June 2 to Sunday, June 4, Specials will be out and about throughout the region, demonstrating how they help make their communities safer, just for the love of it.

The force has just under 100 Specials officers, from a variety of backgrounds and professions.

Among them is Torch Theatre marketing manager Karen Lewis, a Specials Sergeant who volunteers around 20 hours a month.

She said: “I saw it as a challenge. I really like all the police documentaries and thought I would really love to do that. There was an opening for volunteer positions so I thought I would give it a go.

“The first time I went out on patrol I loved it.

"I do feel different when I put my uniform on.”

“I like the challenge, the excitement, the drama and of course helping other people – that’s the type of person I am.

“I’ve learnt so much in the role. I get such a variety of training and courses to develop my role – officer safety training, first aid, social media training, professional management courses, advanced driving.

“People are quite shocked when they see me in my police uniform.

"I definitely get a different reaction from people when I am in uniform – I feel like there is more respect.

“Since being in the role I’ve had to deal with all kinds of incidents including delivering a death message to a family, which was probably the hardest thing I’ve had to do.

"I’ve attended road traffic collisions, domestics, sudden deaths.

“But I’ve made some good friends in Specials and regular officers."

To celebrate their commitment and contribution to policing, as well as highlighting the breadth of skills and knowledge volunteers bring from their every-day jobs.

A short film has been produced highlighting the #SpecialsEffect, and will be posted on the force's social media channels on Friday (June 2).