Large Drop In Sussex Special Police Constable Numbers Is Cause For Concern Say Local Lib Dems

4.07.53pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 2nd Jan 2004

Sussex has seen a drop in the number of Special Police Constables in recent years. Figures revealed by the Liberal Democrats show that in March 1997 there were 472 special constables, however by March 2003 this fell to 303.

The fall echoes a similar decline in numbers nationally from 19,874 to 11,037 during the same time period.

Lib Dem Group Leader on Brighton and Hove City Council, Councillor Paul Elgood said the figures were cause for concern. He said:

"Special Constables have an important role to play, especially with regard to their important role with community policing. Their contribution to local policing cannot be understated as they provide an added boost to police numbers and encourages a greater number of people to get involved in the work of the police."

"This large fall in number is cause for concern and highlights the strain local police numbers are under."

"The Government made much of the relatively small increase in police numbers nationally, however this shows that the wider picture is not so encouraging."

"Much more must be done, both nationally and locally, to encourage more people into this important role. The police themselves should be doing more to encourage people into the role of special constables and indeed ensuring as wide as possible cross section of the community are involved."

Note: The figures were obtained from Simon Hughes MP, and relate to a parliamentary question.