Chair reacts to leaked Government plans for reservist police force

7 September 2021

Suffolk Police Federation chair Darren Harris has spoken out against potential Government plans for a new reservist police force, which would be made up of volunteers from the private sector.

A recent report from the Telegraph has revealed leaked plans which show the Government is considering using professionals from the private sector, especially those with skills in cyber-security and digital technology, as volunteers during demanding periods.

Their numbers would be supplemented by retired or former police officers.

Darren said: “These proposals are not at all what policing needs. A reservist force of volunteers is just a stop-gap plan to meet demand that’s been created by lack of proper resources and funding.

“Long-term, sustainable funding would go a lot further towards helping out my colleagues and the communities they serve.”

John Apter, national chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), has also criticised the plans. He said: “We already have a group of dedicated, professional, fully-warranted volunteers called Special Constables, who give up thousands of unpaid hours a month while facing the same risks and dangers as regular officers.

“In addition to the fantastic contribution Special Constables make, the service needs sustainable, long-term funding to make a tangible difference, not a Government scrabbling about to see who will do policing for free.”