The number of people wanting to become Special constables in West Yorkshire is spiralling, according to new figures out today.

And Bradford's Central police division is playing its part in the success story by boosting the number of ethnic minority volunteers.

Recruitment campaigns at shopping centres, local events and community centres across the Bradford district have helped to boost applications.

Figures released by West Yorkshire Police revealed the number of public enquiries county-wide about joining the Specials rose by 37 per cent in the last 12 months - from 1,200 in 1998 to 1,639 in 1999.

The force currently has about 600 Specials covering the county. Of those 36 working in the Bradford Central police division, 50 per cent are from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Bradford community and race relations co-ordinator, Inspector Martin Baines, said all five of the district's policing divisions were playing their part in the success.

He said: "We have been very successful in attracting applications for the Special constabulary. Part of that success is the number of applicants from ethnic minority backgrounds."

The county-wide recruitment campaign included a high-profile poster campaign on buses, featuring five West Yorkshire Specials.

The distinctive yellow and blue posters used dramatic slogans and contrasted the volunteers' day job with their crime-fighting role in the evening.

Among those featured was an operations clerk for a bus company whose poster reads: "For his boss David helps get buses on the road. For us, he helps get criminals off the street."

Chief Inspector Jason Hoare, Specials co-ordinator, said West Yorkshire was now being contacted by other forces keen to mirror its recruitment achievement.

He said: "We have revamped and updated the training package offered to Specials. In the past they may have been seen as a hindrance by regular constables - now they are a valued member of the service.

"Many volunteers find it an excellent way to learn about being a regular officer."

Anyone interested in finding out more can call the recruitment hotline on 08457 272272.

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