Special Constables will have their council tax cut in plans laid out by Conservative candidate for Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Nick King, yesterday (October 1st, 2012).
Specials, whose numbers have plummeted in the last year, would get a full refund of their police precept following a year’s service, he pledged.
The past 12 months have seen a 15 per cent drop in the numbers of Specials on Dorset’s streets – 239 compared to 278 in 2011.
“People who are willing to give up their time to help fight crime and protect others deserve our gratitude and thanks. It used to be that joining the Specials was a route into a police career, but with a recruitment freeze in place that incentive is gone,” said Nick.
“Specials carry out a much-needed service and I think it’s important to give a little back. I would also urge councils to give these volunteers a rebate.”
Nick particularly wants to see Special Constables recruited to Dorset’s rural areas. “Our aim should be for a Special Constable in every parish,” he said.