One proposal we are looking at concerns specials and rotas.

Having done a few "ride-a-longs", a (very) common complaint is rotas.

I am looking at the merits of paying specials to help cover weekend shifts, coupled with a major recruitment drive to find the volunteers.

The goal would be to reduce the average number of weekend shifts worked from 3 out of 5 to 2 out of 5.

Having spent many years in the TA, I see a lot of mileage in this suggestion and would welcome comments, criticisms and suggestions.

Again, part of the concern is the impact of working excessive-anti social hours. Do officers think this would help, have an impact of quality of service?

Some forces do give their Specials a retainer fee but the one I am in doesnt. To be honest, I joined the Specials because I was in the Navy for 28 yrs and soon became bored with civilian life. I didnt do it for the money. However, I certainly think that more could be recruited if a small payment was made and of course 'every little helps!!'

I do most of my duties at weekends as for obvious reasons those are the busiest times. I have done duties during the week but 1) Not so much going on apart from school holidays and 2) We have our day jobs to do. As long as a Special is prepared to get stuck in where necessary, he or she will be respected by our regular colleagues and very glad of the help during busy times.