Cash boost for specials
SUFFOLK Police are to get a cash boost to recruit extra special constables, Home Office minister Hazel Blears announced today.The volunteer police officers who work with regular police colleagues and other police staff, help provide a visible and reassuring police presence, and engage local people in how their communities are policed.
SUFFOLK Police are to get a cash boost to recruit extra special constables, Home Office minister Hazel Blears announced today.
The volunteer police officers who work with regular police colleagues and other police staff, help provide a visible and reassuring police presence, and engage local people in how their communities are policed.
Suffolk is to receive £65,402, and the news comes just days after the Star revealed on Friday how the county's army of specials declined by nearly a third in just six years.
Numbers have fallen from 379 in 1997 to just 275 in March this year and bosses admitted they are struggling to attract new volunteers, despite a series of recruitment drives.
You may also want to watch:
Now all 43 police forces across England and Wales, will receive funding of up to £70,000 to recruit dedicated staff and trainers.
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.
Most Read
- 1 Caravans pitched at Portman Road car park
- 2 Tributes to 'loyal, caring' man, 28, who died after A14 crash
- 3 Plans for new central Ipswich Travelodge now available to view online
- 4 Woman who posed as food bank staff steals Easter eggs from Morrisons
- 5 Lounge bar with bespoke cocktails and tapas to open at Ipswich waterfront
- 6 Ipswich music producer's 'amazing' rise as global DJ's assistant
- 7 HOW THE NIGHT UNFOLDED: Witches prove too hot for Lynn
- 8 Breakdown on Orwell Bridge cleared after queues to Copdock roundabout
- 9 First look at golf club's multi-million pound coastal homes development
- 10 Felixstowe beach hut sells for record price of £65k within hours
Ms 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.
"They are also an important part of the Government's second
phase of police reform, which is ensuring that local communities are
actively engaged in how their communities are policed. Modern specials, with
full police powers, provide a crucial link between local communities and
their police forces. As volunteer police constables, they are the ultimate
active citizens, forging bonds between the public and the police."
Weblink: www.specialconstables.gov.uk
