<P> A special constable or special police constable (SC or SPC) is generally an auxiliary or part - time law enforcement officer . </P> <P> Many police departments are complemented by a Special Constabulary which are referred to as special constables or informally as "specials". Special constables hold full police powers and hold the office of constable . Historically, and in different contexts, special constables have been paid or volunteer members of an ad hoc reserve force or a permanent auxiliary, and have ranged from unarmed patrols to armed paramilitaries . </P> <P> In the Australian state of New South Wales, Special Constables may be appointed by a Magistrate or two Justices of the Peace where "tumult, riot, or serious indictable offence has taken place, or may be reasonably apprehended" and the Magistrate or Justices believe that "the ordinary Constables or officers appointed for preserving the peace are not sufficient for the preservation of the peace, and for the protection of the inhabitants and the security of their property, or for the apprehension of offenders". Special Constables, as appointed under the Police (Special Provisions) Act 1901, have the same powers as Constables of the New South Wales Police Force . Similar provisions apply in other Australian states . </P>

What is the role of a special constable
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