I’m a Special Constable with a county Police Force working in the UK. This does not mean I wear blue epaulettes or have a blue band on my cap. This does not mean I cannot do anything but issue fines. This does not mean my job is to walk everywhere.
This does mean I give up a minimum of 16 hours per month to work as a Police Officer. This does mean I have exactly the same powers as a paid Police Officer. This does mean I have the same uniform as a paid Police Officer. This does mean, every now and then, I have to take the naughty people away – provided it is reasonable, proportionate and necessary, and in compliance with one or more of 9 justifications provided by the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act (naturally).
