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87 Police J. 29 (2014)
The Rise of the Special Constabulary: Are Forces Getting Value for Money from Their Voluntary Officers; An Empirical Study in Avon and Somerset Police

handle is hein.journals/policejl87 and id is 29 raw text is: Police Journal:Theory, Practice and Principles Volume 87 (2014) 29-40 The Rise of the Special Constabulary: are Forces Getting Value for Money from their Voluntary Officers? An Empirical Study in Avon and Somerset Police Joe Whittle* Buckinghamshire New University, UK Keywords: best practice; police budget; Special Constabulary; voluntary; volunteer police officer Abstract:The aim of this paper is twofold. First, to explore whether Avon and Somerset Police can get better value for money from the Special Constabulary by increasing officer retention and second, and perhaps more importantly, to stimulate debate and highlight the apparent dearth of research and evidence pertaining to the Special Constabulary at a time of rapid expansion. Based on personal experience as a Special Constable and empirical research conducted in 2012 within Avon and Somerset Police, this paper considers whether forces nationally can increase value for money from their Special Constabulary volunteers by reducing annual attrition.The findings indicate that some relatively simple interventions and changes could increase retention and, through this, value for money. In a period of economic stringency forces cannot afford to assume that the voluntary nature of the Special Constabulary automatically presents value for money. Introduction The voluntary sector has expanded rapidly in the last 20 years. The public's expectations in relation to services having exceeded the state's capacity to meet them has led to voluntary organisations filling the 'gaps' (Milligan & Conradson 2006).This is reflected in the police service in England and Wales, where over the last four years, during a time of economic austerity, expectations remain high but regular police officer numbers have fallen by 14,000 (Mulchandani & Sigurdsson, 2009; Home Office, 2013). In the same period recruitment for the voluntary arm of the police, the Special Constabulary, has increased rapidly, with Special Constable (SC) numbers rising by 30% to approximately 20,000 in 2012 (Mulchandani & Sigurdsson, 2009; Dhani, 2012b). Police forces are increasing SC recruitment during a period of budget cutbacks, which suggests a belief that SCs represent value for money. However, this increased recruitment obscures consistent national attrition in the Special Constabulary. In 2012-13 almost 25% of total strength (5,000 SCs) left (Home Office, 2013).This situation is not new; there has been a consistent national annual wastage of approximately 20% since the late 1980s (Mirrlees- Black & Byron, 1994).Yet there does not appear to be any recent research or policy evidence which analyses SC retention and the impact that significant (25%) turnover has on perceived value for money. Guidance issued in 2008 suggested that 'historically' SCs serve for five years (NPIA, 2008). However, as discussed further below, the length of service for many is now much shorter. With Police and Crime Commissioners across the country pledging to significantly increase SC numbers (Avon and Somerset PCC, 2013; Devon and Cornwall PCC, 2013; Sussex PCC, 2013), it is vital to consider the utility of expanding the Special Constabulary further when turnover remains high. * whittlej.g@gmail.com 29 DOI: 10.1350/pojo.2014.87.1.649

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