Special constables fall by 73% since SNP’s botched centralisation

Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP has today warned the Special Constabulary is “collapsing into extinction” after research from his party revealed that their numbers have fallen sharply since the SNP’s centralisation of Scottish policing.

Scottish Liberal Democrat freedom of information requests have revealed there were 1,394 special constables in 2013/14, but this has fallen to just 383 in 2023/24, a decrease of 73%.

The news comes hot on the heels of confirmation in November that full-time officer numbers have dropped by over 1,000 since Police Scotland was formed.

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 said:

“Special constables are an important link between communities and the police service because they can provide valuable local knowledge. On the SNP’s watch, however, their numbers are collapsing into extinction.

“The police service is stretched like never before. At a time when the police need all the help they can get, ministers are letting a useful role with a proud history fade away year after year.

“On any given day, officers and staff could be rushing to major incidents or dealing with complex mental health cases. It is essential that they receive the right support. 

“I want to see ministers reversing the years of damage inflicted by their 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.”