SPECIALS SPOTLIGHT
DECODING THE DROP IN SPECIAL
CONSTABULARY NUMBERS
POLICE spoke to special constables and PFEW special constabulary leads to get their take on why there has been a fall in headcount while championing the important role they play in policing
In recent years, there has been a concerning decline in special constable numbers. This decline poses significant challenges as special constables play a vital role in reinforcing police forces, particularly during times of increased demand or special events. As of 30 September 2022, there were 7840 special constables in forces across England and Wales. A year later there were 6330 - a significant drop of 19 per cent and
Simon Kempton, Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) Special Constabulary co- lead said: “Special constables work in all areas of the police service,
including alongside specialist units, and so the opportunities available are vast. But most importantly, perhaps, is the sense of giving something back, of helping people when they really need somebody, and of being part of a team of people who are all focussed on making our society a better place for all.
“No two days in the Special Constabulary are the same; the variety is part of the attraction of joining. But one constant is that sense of team and the first-class training provided to enable you to carry out your duties. “Specials are a vital part of providing policing, side by side with regular colleagues, as the breadth of our role increases and
28 | POLICE | APRIL | 2024
shows a continual fall year on year from a high of more than 20,000 in 2012. Special constables bring diverse skills
and perspectives to law enforcement, often serving as a bridge between the police and the community they serve. Their presence enhances visibility, fosters trust, and enables more effective policing in areas where resources may be limited. Furthermore, special constables undergo rigorous training and vetting
becomes more complicated.” Mr Kempton explained the fall, in part, coincides with the recruitment drive for officers into the regular constabulary, with many specials leaving to join the regular force either as a police officer or in some other capacity. “Specials are such an important part of the wider policing family that we need to do everything we can to attract new people to this unique role, to bring their own skills, experiences, and perspectives to policing. PFEW has a crucial part to play here. “For years we lobbied to be allowed to
“Specials are such an important part of the wider policing family that we need to do everything we can to attract new people to this unique role”
formally support, protect, and stand up for colleagues in the Special Constabulary. And we were successful. Specials can now
join the Police Federation as equal partners in our organisation. In fact, we already have specials who have been elected by their colleagues to representative roles within the Federation, in a position to help shape and mould the Fed and to look after their colleagues in the same way they look after the public,” explained Mr Kempton.
processes, ensuring they possess the necessary competencies to assist the service. Thus, the dwindling numbers of special constables not only strains existing police resources but also diminish the capacity to maintain public safety and uphold the rule of law effectively. Addressing this decline is crucial to ensuring the continued effectiveness and resilience of law enforcement efforts and support within communities.
Andy Dollard, a special constable from Avon and Somerset, and one of the
first ever special Fed reps, discussed the realities of being a special. He said: “It is tough to retain specials, and there isn’t always a clear long- term career path for career specials which affords the opportunity for continued growth and development. While opportunities do exist, they can vary across forces and are often limited to certain disciplines. Another factor for some is the lack of opportunity to progress through the Special Constabulary rank structure with senior roles being held for long periods (years) by the same officers, with little
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