A psychology graduate who practices martial arts and a history boffin with a talent for fencing are the latest recruits to join Cheshire’s Special Constabulary.
Calum France and James Gay will soon be helping police the streets in Macclesfield.
They were among 42 new recruits who were formally welcomed into the Specials at the start of the year.
Calum France, 22, recently graduated university with a psychology degree.
In his spare time he enjoys mixed martial arts and playing the guitar.
He will be joined on the beat by James Gay, 22, who graduated with a first class degree in history from the University of Salford.
James, who lives in Whaley Bridge, said he was looking forward to the challenge.
He said: “I joined the Specials because I wanted to get some life experience.
“I also like the idea of joining the regular police force in the future. I wanted to do something meaningful and help people.”
In his spare time James, who works in market research, likes to keep fit by running and fencing.
He added: “I don’t see police work as the high octane stuff you see on television. It’s a lot more about talking to people and using communication skills.”
James and Calum both received their attestation certificates at a ceremony last month from the Assistant Chief Constable Mark Roberts. ACC Roberts applauded the new recruits for their hard work.
He said: “Crime in the county is going down, the public are more confident and we are bringing more people to justice.”
Police & Crime Commissioner John Dwyer said Special Constables play a vital role in helping the force to reduce crime and work with the community.
He said: “This new intake of volunteers to the policing family shows that people have valuable skills and experience that they want to use to make the people of Cheshire safe and feel safer.”
