Cybersecurity professionals are set to be enlisted to assist in combating digital crime during their free time as part of an initiative to enhance law enforcement efforts.
In a move to tackle the increasing prevalence of digital elements in criminal activities, Policing Minister Sarah Jones announced a plan to allow tech experts to serve as special constables. These volunteers, equipped with the same arrest powers as regular officers, typically focus on local policing duties but will now be sought for their cyber skills to bolster responses to digital offenses.
Jones emphasized the need for volunteers to adapt to the evolving landscape of crime, stating, “Crime is increasingly digital, so our volunteers must be too. We’re opening the doors to cyber and tech experts to join the Specials and help keep people safe online and on our streets.”
The number of special constables in England and Wales has significantly dwindled since 2012 to a mere 5,534 as of March 2025, marking a 73% decline from the count of 20,343 in 2012. In response to this decline, the Home Office aims to simplify the recruitment process to encourage more individuals to volunteer and incentivize existing special constables to continue their service.
Additionally, a new task force, comprising senior policing figures, will be established to reverse the downward trend in volunteer numbers. These efforts are part of a comprehensive reform package unveiled recently, described as the most significant overhaul in policing in decades. The Home Secretary is expected to reduce the number of police forces in England and Wales from 43 to enhance the service’s efficiency.
Furthermore, the Home Secretary will introduce measures to enhance police vetting, including barring recruits with cautions or convictions related to violence against women and girls. Red tape hindering officer deployment will be eliminated to increase police presence on the streets. Each council ward will have a designated and reachable officer as part of an expanded initiative to strengthen neighborhood policing.