Q: I was astounded by the Metropolitan Police Authority’s proposal to require entrants to either have been a special constable for a considerable period or to pay for their training. This will not result in a police service that represents the community. Where do you stand on this issue?
A: I think it is wrong to require candidates for the police to work first as Special Constables. We want the police to attract the best mix of recruits, not artificially narrow the field by excluding those who are not able to be Specials. Many Specials have no desire to become fulltime professional police; it is and should remain a service that complements the paid role.