ACROSS Bolton, nine full-time civilians are helping police officers spend more time on the beat.

Operational Support Officers (OSOs) have been used in Bolton for the last two years and their support to each of the three police divisions in the town is freeing up the precious time of officers.

By taking calls and relaying messages, the OSOs help officers and PCSOs with their duties and, by cutting down their administration work, are freeing them up to catch more criminals.

Zach Kenneally-Smith, aged 19, wants to become a police officer one day and already patrols after hours as a special constable.

Mr Kenneally-Smith said: “I work Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, and then from 6pm to midnight on some nights as a special.

“Working here during the day is fantastic experience as it gives you an idea of what investigations are going on, what police officers do day-to-day and what areas are trouble spots.

“I made my first arrest recently, for criminal damage, and it has gone really well.”

In the day job, OSOs must direct calls about incidents to 101, but do take intelligence from the public regarding serious cases.

A Greater Manchester Police pilot scheme, the OSO position is one which Mr Kenneally-Smith hopes will later take him into a job as a front-line officer.

He said: “I started out as a cadet when I was 16 and from there I wanted to become a special.

“A lot of the OSOs want to become either a special or a regular officer.

“It is a good way to get in and the police are keen for people these days to show that extra desire.”

He added: “It’s a great job to get as you are helping members of the public all day.

“And when people have got issues like when they have been burgled or when they are down, you are there to give them that support and help."

Mr Kenneally-Smith supports about 60 officers with his two colleagues at Astley Bridge police station, while six other OSOs are stationed at Scholey Street, near Bolton town centre, and Farnworth.