Special constable numbers in free-fall says Forrest after Government numbers reveal 60% fall under Labour 12/12/03

Peter Forrest, Conservative GLA Candidate for Enfield-Haringey, today pointed to newly published government figures showing the number of special police constables across London has fallen by 60% — that’s over 1,000 —  since 1997. The figures were obtained by Conservatives in Parliament.

Commenting on the shock numbers, Peter Forrest said:

“No wonder that seeing the police on the beat is such a rarity. New government figures have exposed that the number of special police constables in London is in ‘free-fall’ and has  fallen by an astounding 60% — that’s over 1,000 —  since 1997 and by 44 per cent across England and Wales as a whole.

Special constables play a vital role in neighbourhood policing. But specials, like full-time officers, are being overwhelmed by bureaucracy and paperwork. Morale across the police has plummeted. Disenchantment and frustration have led to a huge retention and recruitment crisis as these figures show.

Conservatives want to see police back on the beat on Enfield & Haringey’s streets. A Conservative Government would give local communities a greater say on police resources and priorities by creating elected police boards. On top of this, a future Conservative Government would fund an additional 40,000 bobbies nationwide to make our streets safer.”

ENDS.

Notes to Editors:

Special constables are unpaid, voluntary uniformed police officers and assist regular police officers in frontline policing duties.