§ Patrick MercerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans have been made for the recruiting of additional Special Constables in Nottinghamshire Constabulary's 'B' Division. [80699]
§ Mr. DenhamWe recognise that the Special Constabulary has a vital role to play in reducing crime and providing reassurance to the public.
We are working with stakeholders on a variety of measures to help forces improve the recruitment, management and deployment of Specials, including good practice guidance.
We have set aside £300,000 to help "Specials Champions" drive forward initiatives to support the development of the guidance. The "Champions Initiative" will help identify effective local recruitment practices and procedures, including recruitment from visible ethnic minority communities and also other groups which, traditionally, have been harder to attract to the special constabulary.