The vital importance of special constables to the policing of our district is again laid out for all to see in a report in today’s T&A.

In the Bradford South police division, the specials racked up 10,000 hours of service over the last year.

As cuts continue to bite for all our public services, including the police, and the thin blue line becomes increasingly thinner, these volunteers are invaluable on the streets of the district.

The specials give up their own time to serve the community, and often have full-time jobs. The number of hours they put in is a real testament to their dedication and professionalism.

And the use of retired police officers like Gary Rathmell means that his 28 years of experience is once again being used for the good of the community.

There may be concerns that the increased use of specials lessens the impact of budget cuts and by doing so, gives more legitimacy to such cuts.

And it is difficult to argue that the more specials are used successfully in frontline situations, the stronger the arguments will be for still further reducing full-time officers.

But as a resource employed to augment a full-strength police force, the specials are an absolutely positive asset.

And they are not just used for traffic patrols or helping people with directions. Specials have been involved with many of the high-profile operations in Bradford over the last 12 months, and have actually led five operations themselves.

And as well as providing additional back-up for boys in blue, it is also a useful proving ground for potential recruits.

There is no doubt these hard-working volunteers provide a very special service.