Dr Iain Britton is rejoined by Professor Dr Ian Pepper, a leading academic voice on volunteer policing and the Special Constabulary. Drawing on his own time as a special and years of research, Ian explains why volunteers matter, how the public see them no differently to regular officers, and why training, education and support need to match that responsibility.
They explore international comparisons with the US, the long-term decline in special constable numbers, and what could be done to reverse it – from better recruitment and more flexible roles, to tapping into retired officers and “micro-volunteering” models. Ian also looks ahead to his latest work on neighbourhood policing and community volunteers, and how a neglected area of policing could be reimagined for the future.
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
- The public see specials as “the police”, not “volunteers.”
- Volunteer policing needs strong training, support and standards.
- International models (like the US) show very different volunteer training.
- Special constable numbers have collapsed from historic highs.
- Barriers include vetting, poor communication, logistics and risk.
- Students on policing degrees are a big, underused recruitment pool.
- Flexible “micro-volunteering” and remote roles could widen who can serve.
- Future research is focusing on neighbourhood volunteers and international lessons.
Chapters
00:00 – Re-introducing Professor Ian Pepper
01:00 – Why Volunteers in Policing Matter
03:30 – International Comparisons: US vs UK Models
07:30 – The Decline of the Special Constabulary
10:00 – Barriers, Recruitment and New Audiences
12:00 – Rethinking the Volunteer Role for the Future
13:50 – Future Research: Neighbourhoods and International Learning
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