Leadership, Volunteering and the Special Constabulary

This chapter is about volunteer special constables. It offers a timely contribution to discussion on leadership in policing during a period of unprecedented austerity where the pressing need to drive the twin agendas of structural change and modernisation must be achieved without compromising the delivery of frontline services. With police officer numbers in decline as central funding reduces, volunteer special constables are making invaluable contributions to supporting neighbourhood policing and wider police force priorities throughout England and Wales. The chapter draws on narratives from special constables, including those holding rank and in leadership roles, and examines the purpose of rank and leadership roles within the special constabulary; effective leadership, supervision and deployment of specials; and utilising specials as generalists and specialists to expand their contribution to contemporary policing priorities.