Genuine investment needed to make tangible difference in policing

7 September 2021

West Midlands Police Federation chair Jon Nott has strongly criticised leaked Government proposals for establishing a reservist, volunteer police force of “highly-trained professionals” and former officers.

According to the Telegraph, the Government is planning to persuade highly-trained professionals from the private sector – especially in fields such as cyber-security and digital technology – to volunteer their time and skills during periods of increased demand.

Retired officers, or those who have left the service early, could also be retained for a period to bolster numbers.
Reacting to the news, Jon said: “Rushed policies such as this proposed reservist police force do nothing to address the very real challenges my colleagues face every day.

“What is needed is long-term, dedicated funding that will help us do our jobs and serve the public effectively all year round, not just when demand is at its highest.”

Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) chair John Apter has also spoken out about 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.”