POLICE Specials carried out an operation to ensure there was a safe night life in a busy town centre.

On Saturday, February 17, ten Specials from Southend Local Policing Team ran the operation to help protect the night-time economy.

Specials worked alongside regular officers to conduct high-visibility patrols to support nightclub owners and help protect revellers whilst drinking in bars and nightclubs in the high street and the surrounding areas.

They visited a number of bars and clubs to ensure people were drinking safely.

They also worked with the CCTV camera operators, to attend any incidents of concern.

Special Sergeant Steve LeCount, who organised the operation, said: “Operations like these are beneficial to the community. They give the bars and nightclubs extra support and most importantly help to keep the public safe.”

The operation was put in place days after Southend was awarded the Purple Flag in recognition of its safe nightlife.

Southend councillor Martin Terry hopes the operation becomes a permanent feature.

He added: “I fully support this kind of operation. I would like to see more of this type of policing.

“One of the main reasons A&E is backed up is because people drink too much and it’s a problem that needs facing.

“We are hoping to present a motion to the council to fund our own specials because if you want more of these initiatives you need the personnel to back it up.”

Superintendent Simon Anslow, Head of the Special Constabulary, said: “The time that our Special Constables volunteer is absolutely invaluable and makes a real difference to our capacity to provide effective local policing.”

The Specials who were involved in this operation are volunteer police officers.

To become a Special you need to be 18 or over and commit to a minimum of 16 hours each month for operational duties plus training.

For more information about the Special Constabulary and how to apply, visit www.essex.police.uk/specials.