Abstract
This chapter examines the reasons why individuals choose to volunteer for the Special Constabulary. It begins by considering some of the different perspectives used to understand volunteer motivation, before identifying and discussing some of the most dominant reasons given by special constables in previous research. Here findings from the literature are divided into three sections: career driven motives and an interest in police work; other self-orientated motives; and finally those which are more altruistic or other-orientated. The chapter also seeks to update existing research on Special Constabulary motivation by introducing findings from a previously unpublished online survey delivered across two forces.
This chapter examines the reasons why individuals choose to volunteer for the Special Constabulary. It considers some of the different perspectives used to understand volunteer motivation, before identifying and discussing some of the most dominant reasons given by special constables in previous research. Although there are potentially numerous motivations that might initiate and sustain special constabulary volunteerism, existing research would suggest that they coalesce around three dominant themes. The dominant themes include career-driven motives and an interest in policing and police work; altruistic or other-orientated motives associated with wanting to give something back or helping the community; and more instrumental self-orientated motives concerning personal development. Findings concerning career-driven motives and both service length and time volunteered should be acknowledged by the special constabulary-and particularly by those who have recruited high numbers of volunteers at a time when recruitment opportunities into the regular service remained closed.