Call for action on police beat

Declining numbers of Police Special Constables should spark an urgent recruitment drive across Ayrshire, says an MSP.

Brian Whittle spoke out this week after the release of figures which reveals an alarming slide in helping hands on the beat.

Back in 2013, there were 1387 Special Constables serving the force across the country.

But that figure has now fallen sharply to 511.

And since March 2018, Special Constable numbers in Ayrshire have dropped from 42 to 29.

New recruits coming into the system have also been low with four new recruits in 2018 and just two each in 2019 and 2020.

Special Constables are volunteers who work alongside regular officers patrolling the streets.

Their role is to prevent crime, police major public events and support their local communities.

Each Special Constable contributes around 96 hours a year.

That can equate to just a few hours each week and many have gone on to become full time Police Constables in the force.

Mr Whittle, MSP for South Scotland, now wants the issue addressed and said: “Special Constables are an important part of Scotland’s police service, and a valuable link to local communities.

“The decline in numbers in recent years is a concern and one that the Scottish Government and Police Scotland should work to address.

“Every Special Constable is giving up their spare time to help their local community and often bring skills from their day jobs to the role.

“Like so many other volunteering roles in Scotland, the contribution of Special Constables doesn’t always get the profile or recognition it deserves.

“I hope we can change that and encourage more people to consider becoming a Special Constable in the future.”