ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the nature of volunteering and why people volunteer, with particular focus on the ‘gift of time’ that special constables contribute to policing. Some myths surrounding volunteering, such as the belief that it has health benefits or can redeem bad character, are challenged, whilst at the same time analysing why there is attrition in numbers in the Special Constabulary and how volunteers can be supported and retained in the service. The Home Office is criticised for not having a coherent and complete national strategy for special constables. The chapter concludes with an acknowledgement of the relevance of the Special Constabulary to the Peelian principle that ‘the police are the public and the public are the police’.
