Call to address fall in numbers of Special Constables in Fife

A Fife MSP has called on the SNP Government to address a dramatic decrease in the numbers of Special Constables in the Kingdom.
Murdo Fraser MSP has called on the SNP Government to address a dramatic fall in numbers of Special Constables in Fife. Pic: Kenny Smith/TSPLMurdo Fraser MSP has called on the SNP Government to address a dramatic fall in numbers of Special Constables in Fife. Pic: Kenny Smith/TSPL
Murdo Fraser MSP has called on the SNP Government to address a dramatic fall in numbers of Special Constables in Fife. Pic: Kenny Smith/TSPL

Murdo Fraser has been reacting to new figures which show the number of Special Constables across the country has dropped by almost two thirds since the formation of Police Scotland - with Fife seeing a drop from 121 in 2013, to just 34 at the end of March this year.

In addition, recruitment has also fallen in the region from 18 in 2013, to just five Special Constables last year.

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The Scottish Conservative politician, who represents Mid Scotland and Fife, said: “The dramatic fall in the number of Special Constables in Fife is very concerning.

Murdo Fraser MSP. Photograph by  PHIL WILKINSON / TSPL copyright 
Tel +44 (0) 7740444373Murdo Fraser MSP. Photograph by  PHIL WILKINSON / TSPL copyright 
Tel +44 (0) 7740444373
Murdo Fraser MSP. Photograph by PHIL WILKINSON / TSPL copyright Tel +44 (0) 7740444373

"To fall from 121 in 2013, when Police Scotland was created, to just 34 in March this year is alarming.

“I am also concerned at the decrease in recruitment numbers of Special Constables in Fife.”

He continued: “It must be stressed the important role of Special Constables – they engage with communities and help deter crime.

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"They volunteer and give up their own time to help local communities.

“It’s plain to see that the SNP Government have done very little to address the fall in numbers of Special Constables in Fife, and across Scotland.

"Special Constables are integral to the overall police operation in catching criminals - this issue must be addressed.”

However, a Scottish Government spokesperson said the recruitment and deployment of Special Constables is an operational matter for the Chief Constable.

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The spokesperson said: “While we value the voluntary service provided by Special Constables to keep our communities safe, their recruitment and deployment is an operational matter for the Chief Constable, as is the detailed balance of officers, civilian specialists and other police staff.

“Despite constraints on Scotland’s public services through a decade of UK austerity, our investment in policing this year has increased 5.1% to more than £1.2 billion. Scotland has significantly more officers than at any time before 2007 – while over the same period numbers in England and Wales were cut by almost 13,000.”

John Hawkins, assistant chief constable, Police Scotland, said: "We recognise the vital role Special Constables play in supporting conventional officers in a variety of policing duties.

"In particular, Special Constables responded overwhelmingly to an appeal for support during coronavirus, and have given tens of thousands of hours of their time since March.

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"In addition to providing a service to their communities, Special Constables receive extensive training and develop skills that have both professional and personal benefits.

"Since April 2013 more than 500 people have left the Special Constables to become full-time officers and have either used the role as a valuable opportunity to gain experience, or realised that they want to pursue a career in policing.

"We also actively recruit and are always keen to welcome more Special Constables into the service. In February, we launched a nationwide campaign to encourage more people to consider this opportunity to give something back to communities."

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