Employers are being encouraged to join a scheme that enables closer work between businesses and the police.

Employer Supporter Policing (ESP) is a scheme run throughout the country which forges closer links between companies and their local policing teams to help ensure the community is safe.

Currently 25 businesses are part of the scheme including district and borough councils, Tesco and McMullen and Sons Brewery, but Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd is calling on more people to take part.

He said: “The ESP scheme is a brilliant way of bringing trained and experienced professionals into the Constabulary.

“There are over 60,000 businesses in Hertfordshire who have talented employees whose skills would benefit and enhance key areas in policing.

“It is also a powerful and innovative way in which your organisation can undertake this truly unique form of corporate social responsibility, proactively working with the police to assist our local communities.”

The Special Constables from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Cyber Crime Unit were recently celebrated for their work combatting the cyber-attack on the NHS at an award ceremony.

Officers lent their skill and support to the Lister Hospital in Stevenage and got the computer systems up and running days before other NHS sites in the country after the WannaCry ransomware attacks.

Chief Constable Charlie Hall said: “We are focused on protecting vulnerable people and need to adapt our workforce to help investigate such crimes –volunteers with the different skills we require can help.

“We want to continue the conversation with you and your organisations to see how we can work to encourage your staff to give up their time to come and help us.

“The value we give back to you will help your staff, your businesses and society as a result.”

For more information on joining the scheme or becoming a Special Constable visit www.hertspolicespecials.co.uk.