Hundreds of specials quit single force

MORE than 750 special constables have quit Police Scotland since the single force was set up in 2013.

Figures obtained by Tory MSP Maurice Corry under Freedom of Information legislation show numbers fell from 1,387 in 2013 to 610 this year.

Mr Corry said: ‘Special constables make an important contribution to the policing of our streets, deterring crime and interacting with communities.

‘The SNP must explain why it has let this drop in numbers happen.’

Assistant Chief Constable John Hawkins said: ‘Many special constables have joined the police on a full-time basis.’