§ Mr. EdwardsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to pay special constables for their work; and if he will make a statement about their role. [140457]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThe Special Constabulary is a voluntary body designed to assist the regular police. Its members are drawn mainly from the communities served by each local force. Special Constables perform constabulary duties and exercise constabulary powers under the supervision of, and supported by, regular officers. They play an invaluable role by assisting regular police officers to tackle crime and the fear of crime.
We have no current plans to pay special constables for the work they do. But we are looking at a range of ideas for improving recruitment and retention within the Special Constabulary.