NCJ Number
153706
Date Published
1994
Length
100 pages
Annotation
This report reviews the recruitment, training, and deployment of Special (volunteer) Constables serving in three districts in England. Data were obtained from surveys completed by 856 Special Constables.
Abstract
Special Constables wear the same uniform and have the same powers as regular officers. They attend for duty in their spare time and are expected to be available at times of pressure on police resources. Many Special Constables included in this sample joined as volunteers when their application to join the regular force was rejected; others joined in order to help the community. Two-thirds of respondents believed that selection criteria should be stricter. Special Constable recruits favored training courses run by regular officers at force training establishments; organized training tended to enable forces to maintain an high and consistent standard of operation. Most Special Constables were deployed in situations requiring nonconfrontation contact with the public or at events which might not be fully policed by regular officers. Paperwork was the least liked duty, while mobile patrol with regular officers was the most popular activity among these respondents. While Special Constables tended to have a high opinion of regular officers, many believed that regular officers held disparaging views toward the volunteer force. Nationally, turnover of Special Constables was approximately 20 percent annually. Chapter references and 2 appendixes