HC Deb 17 December 2001 vol 377 c77W
19. Patrick Mercer

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last met the president of the Association of Chief Police Officers to discuss funding for special constables. [21163]

Mr. Denham

The Home Secretary formally met the President of Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) on Monday 3 December to discuss a range of matters in respect of the police reform programme.

The Government are committed to increasing the strength of Special Constabulary. We are considering a number of options for achieving substantial improvements in the conditions of service, management and deployment of Special Constables, to ensure that they are deployed effectively and provide an increased visible presence in our communities.