Special Constable Statistics

Keywords

Special, Constables, Officers, Warrant, Cards, Volunteering, Behind, Commitment, Work, Hours, Month, Currently, Active, Failed, Mandatory, Fitness, Training, Retain, Uniform, Equipment, Personal, Possession, Fulfilled, Access, Systems, Information, Ranks, Initial, Non-operational, Leave, Absence, Constabulary, Delivered, Contributing, Policy, Investigation, Suspended, Remove, Systems, Network, Dutysheet, Accounts, Restricted.

Publication Number

PUB 1372

FOI Reference Number

16498

Request Title

Special Constable Statistics

Date Range

N/A

Information Requested

1. How many special constables (officers with warrant cards) are currently volunteering for your force?

a) Of this number, how many are currently behind on their commitment to work 16 hours/month or are not currently active for any other reason (eg: failed mandatory fitness training)?

b) Of this number, how many retain uniform or police equipment in their personal possession?

c) Of the officers who have not fulfilled their commitment or are not currently active, how many have continued to access force systems or information?

Disclosure with Exemptions

Full Disclosure

Information Correct as at

06 December 2021

Date of Disclosure

04 January 2022

Related Documents/Links

N/A

FOI 16498 Response

Having completed enquiries within Essex Police in respect of Section 1(1)(a), Essex Police does hold information relating to your request, Essex Police can confirm in respect of Section 1(1)(b) the following data:

Caveat:  The data is correct as at 06 December 2021.

1. How many Special Constables (Officers with warrant cards) are currently volunteering for your force?

502 - this includes Specials of all ranks, however, please note that some will still be in their initial training.

a) Of this number, how many are currently behind on their commitment to work 16 hours/month or are not currently active for any other reason (eg: failed mandatory fitness training)?

446 Officers are currently active with 29 non-operational for various reasons and 27 on a Leave of Absence.  In November 2021, 61.46% of the whole constabulary delivered 16 hours or more with 19.68% contributing less than 16 hours and 18.86% zero hours.

b) Of this number, how many retain uniform or police equipment in their personal possession?

Apart from 1 Officer, all other Officers retain their uniform and Police equipment.  We usually do not retrieve warrant card or uniform unless their performance has been referred to Under Performance Policy (UPP) or under investigation and suspended.

c) Of the Officers who have not fulfilled their commitment or are not currently active, how many have continued to access force systems or information?

Again, we do not remove access to force systems or information unless referred to UPP or suspended.  However, if they have not used their Police Network or Dutysheet Accounts for a certain period of time, as per IT policy, then their access is restricted.