A new head of Hertfordshire’s Special Constabulary has been appointed to lead the county’s team of volunteer police officers.

Chief Inspector Damien Kennedy has taken over the role from Chief Inspector Carl Foster – who has moved on to lead the Case Investigation Team in Hatfield – after serving as head for nearly a year.

Chief inspector Kennedy said: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of Head of the Special Constabulary and am looking forward to continuing the hard work CI Foster and his team have been undertaking to keep Hertfordshire’s Special Constabulary one of the best performing in the country.

“I have always been impressed by people who volunteer in their spare time, but to take on the role of volunteer police officer demonstrates great character and dedication.

“I am amazed by the level of work our volunteer police officers undertake every day as part of their duties and am looking forward to working with them.”