Every fortnight the Courier has invited local police officers to share with readers what's going on in the force and what's being done about crime and helping keep everyone safe.
This week, in the latest of our police columns, special constable Jamie Allan speaks about his role.
He said that when West Lothian’s commander, Chief Inspector Louise Brownlie, asked if any current Special Constables working within the area wanted the chance to take over her column this week to discuss the role of a special constable, he jumped at the chance.