Plea from police over extra leave for special constables

Police Scotland is asking employers to consider providing paid leave to staff who volunteer as Special Constables so they can support the national effort.

The service faces unprecedented challenges to maintain policing while managing rising levels of sickness and self-isolation among officers and staff.

Special constables have all the powers of regular police officers but who volunteer their services.

Police Scotland is appealing to special constables to increase their volunteering hours wherever possible.

And it is asking employers to consider paid leave to allow staff to support local policing over the coming 12 weeks.

Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: “This is an extraordinary moment and one that requires a collective response.

“It is a moment when the ethos of the special constabulary has never been more relevant.

“The coronavirus pandemic is presenting an unprecedented and dynamic set of challenges.

“To support health professionals and maximise public safety, the policing response is crucial.

“The coming weeks and months will be demanding.

“There will be significant additional duties that we are required to discharge during this critical period. To support our overall response, we would like to include our valued special constables in our resourcing plans.

“We have written to all our volunteers and their employers seeking support to provide additional volunteering hours over the coming 12 weeks.

“However, I should stress there is no requirement being placed on anyone.”