Call for more special constables in Shropshire
One of the candidates hoping to become the next Police and Crime Commissioner for Shropshire has called for a comprehensive review of the way that special constables are recruited.
John Campion, who will be standing for the Conservatives in next year's election for a new West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, says that over the past four years there has been an overall drop in the number of specials serving with the force.
"Whilst the drop is marginal, we should have seen increasing numbers to assist the regular service," he said.
"Tackling low-level rural and neighbourhood crime are amongst my priorities and I believe an increased role of special constable is essential in our fight to not only reduce crime, but also offer visible reassurance."
Mr Campion said the area had a strong tradition of volunteering, and with the right campaign and support he believed it would be possible to see an increase in numbers.
"This isn't about replacing front line regular police with volunteers, it's about protecting community policing and visible reassurance as the policing budget reduces.
"People want to give back to the community and West Mercia need a comprehensive offer to help them take
the very rewarding step of becoming a special constable."
At the moment, the force has 294 special constables, and has set a target of recruiting an extra 20-25 officers in the Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire policing areas.
From this month, the process of recruiting new specials will be streamlined, with a shorter training programme..
