PROFESSIONAL people are to be targeted in a new campaign designed to boost the number of Special constables across Hampshire.

Recruitment bosses want to find another 100 volunteers after numbers of Special constables dropped by around a quarter in the past two years.

Across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, there are currently 365 officers - representing a drop of 120.

Personnel chiefs say the Special

constabulary across the country is exp-eriencing the same dwindling numbers, with many forces reducing their entry criteria as a result.

But Hampshire Special Constabulary has vowed not to lower standards.

The decision means would-be Specials have to pass the same recruitment and fitness tests as candidates wanting to join the regular force.

Insp Clive Ayling, of Hampshire police's community safety department, said the majority of recruits signed up with the hope of joining the regular force at a later date. Although many of those unable to get into the regular force ended up leaving the Specials, most of them made it within two years.

Now Special constabulary leaders plan to focus on attracting professional people who are looking to provide a service to their community.

Insp Ayling said: "A new recruiting campaign is about to start, aimed at the workplace,

"This will shift the emphasis on recruiting towards professional people that have the backing of their managers and hopefully attract more applicants."

Research in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has shown most Specials that have quit have been white, in their mid-20s and have served between two and five years.

Many said they left because they found it increasingly hard to do police work at unsociable hours, leading to family pressure.

For information about joining the Special Constabulary call 0845 7272 272.