The Special Constabulary plays an integral part of everyday
modern policing across the nation. Yet its origins are perhaps more
established and ancient than most people would expect.
The office of Special Constable dates back to the days of Edward
I who, in 1285, established the Statute of Winchester. This brought
into being Justices of the Peace and the unpaid office of
constable.
Before this every man was responsible for ensuring that he and
others kept the peace. The state of having untrained and unpaid
volunteers acting as constables to enforce the law lasted until
shortly after the formation of the first regular police force in
1829.
The 1830s saw major riots in the country over the passage of the
Reform Bill. A Special Constables Act was passed by Parliament in
1831. This gave Justices responsible for an area, where “Tumult,
Felony or Riot” had occurred or was likely to occur, the power to
appoint Special Constables to deal with “riots and tumultuous
behaviour”.
This arrangement lasted until 1964, when the Police Act allowed
for Specials to be attached to regular Forces, when they were to be
subject to the direction and control of the Chief Constable.
Since then Specials have contributed to the everyday role of
policing across the land and now make up about 25% of every Force
in England and Wales. As history reflects - the Specials are more
important to policing today than at any time over many hundreds of
years.
Are you interested in becoming part of this rich and proud
history?