WESTERN BUREAU:

SOME 800 special constables, popularly known as 'one-day police', has been trained by the police in St. James to ensure that parishioners keep the peace when they go to the polls in the upcoming general election.

"The constables will work in conjunction with the police," said Superintendent Owen Ellington, St. James crime chief, when quizzed as to whether or not the police was fully prepared to handle the major national event, slated for October 16. "They have trained in the techniques of crowd control."

Superintendent Ellington said the basic job of the constables includes the general maintenance of peace and the securing of polling stations. "Basically, they have been trained to maintain peace and order and to secure polling stations," he pointed out.

The constables, who are not expected to carry weapons, will wear civilian clothing with clearly marked identification armbands. "They will be dressed in civilian clothes with an armband for easy identification," said Superintendent Ellington. "They will also carry a warrant of appointment to show that they are special constables working with the police."

The special constables are expected to disband as soon as the election exercise is over. "They are expected to work just for the election period and will be disbanded after that," noted Superintendent Ellington.