Police get cash boost to recruit more 'Specials'

Police forces are to get a £2.5 million to kick start a campaign to recruit an extra 3,000 special constables – volunteers who will work closely with regular police.

All 43 police forces across England and Wales will receive funding of up to £70,000 to recruit dedicated staff and trainers to not only increase the numbers of special constables, but to ensure they are trained and retained effectively. Forces will be expected to recruit at least 75 additional specials over the next three years, bringing the total number of specials to more than 14,000 by 2006/7.

The funding is part of a drive to provide a "visible and reassuring police presence" and to "actively" engage local people in how their communities are policed.

Specials have full police powers and carry out a range of police work under the supervision, and support of, regular officers. Specials give a few hours each week, typically evenings and weekends. The number of serving specials was 11,037 as of March this year.

Home Office Minister Hazel Blears said: "Volunteer special constables are a crucial part of modern day policing. The skills, experience and local knowledge they bring to policing makes a huge contribution to the communities they serve. They are a key part of the wider police family, providing a visible presence on the streets, and helping to cut crime and the fear of crime."

New staff will also help implement good practice, ensuring that specials are "well-managed and purposefully deployed", reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, and supporting local neighbourhoods.

Constabularies nationwide will run a Specials recruitment weekend on February 28-29 next year.

(gmcg)