Slump in Humberside force special constable numbers over the past decade

The number of special constables working alongside police officers in Humberside has fallen by more than half over the past decade, figures reveal.
Special constables, also known as “specials”, hold the same powers as police constables.Special constables, also known as “specials”, hold the same powers as police constables.
Special constables, also known as “specials”, hold the same powers as police constables.

Increases in workloads have made it impossible for some of the officers in England and Wales to volunteer alongside their day jobs, claims the Police Federation.

The Association of Special Constabulary Officers (ASCO) has described a significant fall in numbers across the two nations as a “huge loss” to policing.

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Home Office data shows Humberside Police had 153 special constables in March this year – up from 143 the year before. However, it represents a stark (54%) drop compared to 2011, when there were 336.

The officers, also known as “specials”, hold the same powers as police constables and work a minimum of 16 hours a month as volunteers.

A fall in the number of specials within the area over the decade came alongside a 5% increase in full-time police officers, helped by a Government-backed recruitment campaign for 20,000 more officers nationally by 2023.

Across England and Wales, the number of special officers has reduced by more than half over the past decade, from 18,421 in 2011 to 9,174 this year.

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During the period the number peaked at 20,343 in 2012 – following the end of a three-year national recruitment programme – but has since fallen year-on-year.

The Police Federation for England and Wales said a recent focus on recruiting more paid police officers, including some former specials, and an increase in workload for the volunteer officers were behind the demise in numbers.

Chairman John Apter said: “More and more has been expected of special constables.

“These extra pressures have caused some to leave the service, as they cannot juggle their day jobs with what is expected of them.

“We need their support, and we need more of them.”

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The ASCO has called for a national recruitment campaign for more specials, claiming they provide “enormous value” to community policing.

The Home Office said it was working closely with police forces to help attract, recruit and retain more special constables.