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Reporter: GILLIAN POTTS
Date published: 21 September 2011
A HIGH-FLYING banker from Saddleworth is one the latest recruits to join Oldham’s special constabulary.
Arron Frost, who works for The Bank of New York and has a passion for flying, is one of a host of new specials joining police teams around Greater Manchester.
By day he is a foreign exchange processor, assisting in the settlement of deals traded on the foreign exchange markets, but in his spare time he will join a neighbourhood team, helping tackle local issues.
Co-operative line manager Michael Holmes decided to join the specials to help the Oldham community he grew up in.
Following in a family tradition — Michael’s mum is a GMP volunteer — he would eventually like to become a regular police officer.
Samantha White’s desire for new challenges led her to join the specials and she says she’s looking to making a difference to her neighbourhood.
The parenting support officer hopes to use her day-job experiences working with families to help her in her new role.
All three were sworn in by Chief Constable Peter Fahy during an ceremony at Sedgley Park last week.
Chief Constable Peter Fahy said: “It was great to welcome these special constables to GMP.
“The number of people who want to become Special Constables is growing continually and this demonstrates how many people want to get involved in making their community a better place and improve the areas where they live.
“We recognise the huge difference our volunteers make to people’s lives.”
A total of 41 volunteers underwent a 13-week training course and will now give up at least 16 hours a month of their own time to work as a special constable.
There are 604 special constables in GMP, they have the same powers and uniform as regular officers.