§ Mr. PatchettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many special constables are employed in South Yorkshire; and what are their qualifications and selection procedures.
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§ Mr. Douglas HoggAs at 31 December 1988 there were 309 special constables in South Yorkshire police. I understand from the chief constable of South Yorkshire that the qualifications for entry into the special constabulary in South Yorkshire are basically that applicants must be of British nationality, physically fit, of good character, have satisfactory eye sight, have an education standard adequate for their duties, be aged between 18½ and 50 and reside in the force area. Men should be not less than 167cm and women 162cm in height.
Applicants who meet these requirements are interviewed by a divisional chief superintendent and a special constabulary divisional commandant, who make recommendations to the chief constable. The chief constable then decides whether to accept or decline the applications.