Member

A decade ago there were around 15,000 special constables across England and Wales, but last year there were fewer than 5,900. While some specials are transferring to the regular police, that does not explain the drop. Unfortunately, the majority are leaving policing altogether. Currently, a third depart within their first two years of service. This rate of attrition is clearly both inefficient and unsustainable in the long term. Too many leave before they have the chance to contribute meaningfully, which wastes not only their potential but the time and resources invested in their training. The challenge before us is clear: unless action is taken, the special constabulary risks fading away. That would leave a gaping hole in community policing and in our national resilience.