Special constables fall by 71% since police centralisation

Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP has today warned the police’s Special Constabulary is heading for extinction after he revealed that their numbers have fallen sharply since the SNP’s police centralisation.  

Scottish Liberal Democrat freedom of information requests have revealed there were 1,394 special constables in 2013/14, but this has fallen to just 409 in 2022/23 - a decrease of 71%.  

Special constables operate on a part-time and voluntary basis, exercising similar powers to police officers and helping boost the police’s presence in communities.

Mr McArthur commented:  

“On the SNP’s watch, the special constable is heading for extinction. Special constables offer valuable local knowledge to the police in communities across Scotland and serve as an important link between those communities and the police service.  

“At a time when the police are piloting programmes that will see some crimes go uninvestigated, you might think they could use all the help they could get. Sadly a role with a proud history is being allowed to wither on the vine.

“Officers and staff are under huge pressure. On their next shift they could be facing major incidents or dealing with complex mental health cases. That makes it all the more important to ensure they have the support they need.  

“The SNP Government must now repair the damage done by its botched centralisation. That includes putting the Special Constabulary on a long-term footing and ensuring officers and staff have the resources they need to tackle crime and keep people safe.”