A SPECIAL constable from Bolton is among 100 new Greater Manchester police officers welcomed into the ranks.

Since last year Damon Rostamian has been volunteering during his spare time to serve as a special constable in the town and has now been sworn in as a police constable alongside other new recruits in a ceremony at Harrop Fold School in Worsley.

Once the 28-year-old’s training is complete, Damon, previously a manager with services company Capita, will be a PC based in Manchester.

He said: “Being a manager demanded me to become an expert communicator while volunteering as a Special allowed me to learn and understand the different dynamics that the role of a police constable requires.

“I hope to develop myself as a person, learn new skills, help the public any way I can and to influence people to make the right decisions.

“I really enjoy being hands on and getting involved. Five years ago, after seeing the some charity adverts on TV, I couldn’t ignore the fact that people needed help.

“So, I sold my car to raise some money and also secured some sponsorship, before going out to Ghana for six months to help build schools.

“Rather than complain, I prefer to get involved and help make the change for the better. I think that’s what ultimately swayed me to become a Special and now a PC, to help those people most in need.”

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd attended the swearing in ceremony as family and friends of the new officers watched on proudly as each of them made an oath to uphold the office of constable with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality.

The Chief Constable said: “The primary role of each officer is to help and serve the public, therefore it is only right that we hold this attestation at the heart of community, where it should be."

All of the new recruits have previously been employees with GMP, either as Police Community Support Officers, Special Constables, apprentices or police staff.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “Policing is now more challenging and complex than ever before, with significantly more scrutiny now being placed on officers, which is rightly to be expected.

“Due to the rigorous selection process and training involved, plus the emphasis we place on supporting each other at GMP, I have no doubts that these officers will meet any challenges that lie ahead.

“I am sure at the end of their careers they can proudly say that they left the Force and the communities of Greater Manchester in a better place than when they started.”

The 100 new officers joining GMP will maintain the total overall number of officers at current levels.