THE number of special constables in Wiltshire is falling as many volunteers have left the force after completing only half of the monthly requirement of work hours.

Despite a target for 300 specials being set down as a target for 2010, the number has fallen from 208 to 182 from December 2013 to December 2014.

While some specials have resigned, others have left after being unable to fulfil the 16 hours a month asked of them, many only clocking in for an eight and a half hour shift.

The news comes as in the last quarter, Wiltshire Police are projected to have spent £250,000 over budget on overtime hours for regular officers, including ‘exceptional’ major incident costs. These costs will be offset by savings in the custody suites.

A full scale review is underway to ensure the magic number of 300 specials is reached, at an estimated cost of £175,000.

The Wiltshire Police Performance Report published this month read: “A large review and redevelopment of the Special Constabulary is being conducted.

“Following a recruitment process, the Constabulary has recently appointed a Strategic Specials Superintendent, [who] will be responsible for the leadership of all Special Constabulary officers within the Force and all strategic matters. Part of his role will be to engage with other forces and the Home Office on a regular basis to maintain and share best practice. This appointment is with immediate effect.

“Currently we have 182 Specials with 172 working regular hours. This reduction in numbers is due to recent resignations and a determined effort in addressing officers who are not completing regular hours. Records show that the hours they contribute are 8.9 per month against the requirement of 16 hours.”

Angus Macpherson, Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, has set out ambitions to incorporate specials into neighbourhood policing teams to help cover the front line of the force.

“Consideration should be given to a review of the establishment to include an attachment of a number of officers to each neighbourhood team as well as other specialist areas such as roads policing, rural crime and wildlife officers,” he said.

“The constabulary should review its opportunities for the deployment of Specials and recruit to meet these needs.

“Consideration could be given to a full Police Support Unit (PSU) of Specials as a contribution to the Strategic Policing Requirement.

“Given the training period to gain independence, and that that is the ultimate goal, the force should create a training and recruitment plan to achieve the independent resource levels.

“This may be a plan for at least five years to achieve a sustainable Special Constabulary.”