THE Metropolitan Police are recruiting university students and staff to help combat crime on campuses.

The CampusWatch scheme will see experienced police officers working alongside volunteer Special Constables recruited specifically from universities who have elected to take part.

It is aimed at anyone involved in university life, from students and lecturers, to administration staff, caterers and security guards.

Volunteer Specials will be sponsored by their university and will spend eight hours every fortnight patrolling other college grounds and all volunteers will have the same powers as full-time Met police officers.

The first two universities to pilot the scheme are Queen Mary University and City University, however the Met is currently liasing with a number of other universities and more have been joining the partnership in recent weeks.

Neil Barrett, head of Employer Support Services, hopes the initiative will follow on from the huge success of the Met's similar ShopWatch scheme: "For the last 18 months we've been running a similar initiative with the retail industry, which has seen excellent results for both retailers and shoppers. But, the key aspect has been the positive impact its had on the volunteers."

He added: "The combination of police training and patrols has seen their confidence, and in some cases their job prospects, greatly improve. I'm confident that CampusWatch will do the same for the individuals involved, as well as improving security and safety on campus."

Volunteers should be at least 18-and-a-half years old, of good character and health, and reasonably fit.

Anyone involved in university life who believes they have what it takes to become a Special Constable should look for the CampusWatch stand at their Freshers Fair or call 0845 727 2212 quoting CampusWatch.

If students or staff are unsure whether their university supports the scheme, they can check with Nicola Wallinger, CampusWatch Co-ordinator on 020 7161 2651