The Metropolitan Special Constabulary has announced that it has launched its 2012 Special Inspector promotion process to increase the number of volunteer leaders.

It is envisaged that those promoted will support MSC Managers, who are Regular sergeants, and local senior management teams in ensuring officers continue to work towards the Commissioner's objectives for Total Policing.

An MSC spokeswoman said: “We currently have around 17 special inspectors. Bringing in more will help to ensure that all volunteer police officers – existing and future – have the professional supervision and support they need.

“Special Inspectors play a vital role in MSC units. They lead by example, working in partnership with MSC Managers to manage performance. They also have a particular part to play in looking after the welfare needs of special constables,” she added.

To ensure that the MSC attracts and recruit officers of the right calibre a rigorous process, which will see applicants being evaluated against the corporate performance framework through written evidence and thorough interview process, has been put in place.

Det Ch Insp Jerry Sheppard, Head of Professional Development for the MSC, said: "We have had an encouraging response so far, with a number of expressions of interest.

“Successful candidates will be promoted to temporary special inspector ahead of 2012 Games-time. We are already designing, in collaboration with other forces and the NPIA, a development programme to support them in their new roles."

The successful applicants will be supported during their first year in the role and be deemed a temporary special inspector. Following the mentoring and leadership training the new leaders will undertake a work-based assessment which they need be successful in before being considered for substantive roles.