Volunteer police officers are a critical but often overlooked part of modern policing. Dr Iain Britton speaks with Dr Ashley Frayling, Special Constabulary Chief Officer for Devon & Cornwall Police and National Chair of ASCO, about the real potential – and real challenges – of volunteer policing today.
Ashley shares her personal journey from student to special, explains how specials are now deployed in everything from response to CID, and talks frankly about leadership, women in volunteer policing, and why forces must rethink how they use – and value – volunteers.
Policing TV dedicates this week to celebrating police volunteers from around the world. Millions support policing globally, yet their work often goes unseen. In this special series, contributors from six countries show how volunteers strengthen communities, increase visibility, and bring valuable skills into policing.
Highlights include auxiliary policing in Canada, youth volunteers in Scotland, community mobilisation in the Philippines, specialist investigators in the Netherlands, and reserve officers in Arizona. We also look at the growing need for volunteers with expertise in cyber, digital and fraud.
Above all, this week recognises the remarkable people who give their time and talent to support policing on the frontline and beyond.
Takeaways
- Specials hold the same powers as regular officers but volunteer their time.
- Devon & Cornwall’s specials now work in response, neighbourhood, roads, drones and more.
- A volunteer rank structure helps give voice, ownership and development.
- The Association of Special Constabulary Officers represents special constables nationally.
- New roles in CID, cyber and vulnerability are key to future growth.
- Employer-supported policing can unlock specialist skills for forces.
- Women have historically been well represented in special constables, but challenges remain.
- Forces need to empower special leaders, not just “use” specials at peak times.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Volunteer Policing
02:43 Understanding the Role of Special Constables
05:58 Leadership and Structure in Volunteer Policing
08:42 Expanding Roles and Specialisms for Volunteers
11:38 Engagement and Participation of Women in Policing
14:54 Future Directions and Challenges in Volunteer Policing
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