Ministers Push for Massive Expansion of Volunteer Crime-Fighters in North Wales

Strategic Insights -

Ministers are promoting a radical overhaul of policing in North Wales, including a significant increase in the number of volunteer crime-fighters. Home Secretary Theresa May has outlined plans to expand the number of special constables in the region, with a target of increasing the number four-fold to levels last seen in the 1950s. The move is part of a broader effort to empower local communities to play a greater role in crime prevention and policing. However, critics argue that the proposals are being driven by budget cuts and will compromise the effectiveness of law enforcement.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK Government is seeking to increase the number of special constables in North Wales to over 67,000, up from the current 15,000 nationally.
  • Home Secretary Theresa May wants to see the number of special constables increase to levels last seen in the 1950s, with a significant expansion of volunteer crime-fighters in the region.
  • The proposals aim to empower local communities to play a greater role in crime prevention and policing, with a focus on Neighbourhood Watch groups and Community Crime Fighters.
  • Locally-elected police 'commissioners' will have the power to fire under-performing chief constables, with the first elections scheduled for May 2012.
  • Critics, including Plaid Cymru, have accused the government of politicising the police service, with potential risks to the consent between law enforcement and the community.

Statistics:

  • The current number of special constables nationally is approximately 15,000.
  • The target number of special constables in North Wales is over 67,000, up from the current level.
  • The first elections to the new police commissioner posts are scheduled for May 2012.

Sources:

  • Policing in the 21st Century: Reconnecting Policing and the People document
  • Quote from Home Secretary Theresa May
  • Quote from Elfyn Llwyd MP, Plaid Cymru Westminster leader