Strategic Review of Special Constables in Hertfordshire

The Hertfordshire OPCC commissioned the Institute for Public Safety, Crime and Justice to undertake a short, high-level and strategic review of the Hertfordshire model for Specials, to identify progress and best practice, key learning from elsewhere, and areas for further improvement. The Police and Crime Plan for Hertfordshire has a strong emphasis on citizen involvement. A core element of this citizen involvement strategic priority for the PCC is the Special Constabulary, and the key questions the OPCC requested to be addressed by the review included: - Is there a countywide strategic and cultural understanding of the role and value of Specials? - Is there strong leadership and direction for Specials? - What factors impact on the quality of experience of Specials, and how can the quality of experience be improved? - How well does the current model for managing Specials work, and what improvements could be made to it?