A special’s lot

SIR – The report by Jack Maidment (June 30) quotes Mike Rogers, the head of Special Constabulary at West Midlands Police, saying: “A planned operation could be jeopardised if a number of specials don’t turn up for duty because it’s raining.”

May I, as a special in the 1990s, suggest the real reason for the decline in numbers of those doing the job of a regular officer in an unpaid capacity?

Paid police community support officers have no power of arrest and don’t work after 11pm. The manning up of a PCSO with a special means that at an incident the unpaid special makes the arrest, completes the paperwork and stays on duty till the job is complete while the PCSO goes off duty at 11 pm. No wonder specials feel they are now being unfairly used.

When I served in Sussex Police, the regulars respected us and appreciated the extra manpower, especially on a Friday late shift. It was an amazing time in my life – testing myself and even putting my life on the line on occasions. I made life-long friendships.

I recommend it to all, but current arrangements don’t encourage those who are prepared to give up their time to serve their local communities. Linda Buckley

Burgess Hill, East Sussex