New police support volunteers will ‘enhance’ the service provided by Northants Police.
Insp Andy Hall said the volunteers would become a vital part of how the force works in the future.
He said: “The key to this is enhancing what we are trying to achieve. We are trying to improve our communication and visibility of our policing.
“We are looking for people who have different skills, have free time or have an interest in policing, it fits all. Anyone who wants to be involved in the local community, come and do it with the police.”
South Northants is one of the first police areas in the country to implement the scheme.
The volunteers will undergo a background check and then complete training before taking up their positions. It is not intended that they have any powers like Special Constables.
The first cohort have just finished their training and will be starting their volunteer roles in Brackley and Towcester.
The new volunteers are both men and women, ages ranging from 30 to 50s, and both retired and in full-time employment, proving the scheme has attracted a range of skills and experience.
Sgt Mark Osborne said: “They can undertake some tasks which would be a necessity for officers, on phones and on computers where really we would like our officers to be out and about high visibility, in the community.
“We want them to feel part of their community and part of the police community.”
Volunteers could be doing anything from office-based enquiries to patrolling with PCs and PCSOs.
Sgt Osborne is also recruiting volunteers for a Streetwatch scheme.
He explained: “Neighbourhood Watch is very passive and reactive. Streetwatch is more proactive, asking people to report something suspicious that they see. I see it as an extension of Neighbourhood Watch.”
Police are also appealing for anyone interested in establishing Neighbourhood Watch groups where none exist presently to get in touch.
If you are interested in becoming a police volunteer, a special constable or involved in Neighbourhood Watch then go along to one of the following drop-in information sessions: March 6, Brackley Town Hall, Market Place, 2pm-5pm, 6pm-9pm; March 11, Towcester Volunteer Centre, Moat Lane, 2pm-5pm, 7pm-9pm. Alternatively, log on to their website at www.northants.police.uk and click on the Join Us link.