The RNC is going to hire people who are not fully-credentialed police officers to do low-risk duties, allowing front line officers to better use their full range of expertise.

The dozen or so special constables will undergo just short of three months of training at the Atlantic Police Academy and with the RNC.

They will then be assigned to the northeast Avalon to supervise people who have been detained, guard crime scenes, do traffic control and assist with administrative duties.

Recruitment will begin this fall.

Premier John Hogan says the pilot was developed in response to provincial consultations, recognizing that a significant amount of police work can be performed by workers who are not fully sworn police officers.

Hogan says the program works as a good pathway for those who are looking to become an RNC officer.

Government previously announced that five new officers will be hired for Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and 10 for the northeast Avalon.