Police Scotland appeal to employers to allow volunteer Special Constables paid time off to help during coronavirus epidemic

THE Force is appealing to police volunteers and their employers to help in the fight against the coronavirus.

Employers are being asked to consider providing paid leave to members of staff who volunteer as Special Constables, to allow them to support daily operations and provide resilience at critical times over the coming 12 weeks.

Special Constables are warranted officers with all the powers of regular police who volunteer their services. They are deployed in local communities to support daily operations and provide resilience at critical times.

Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: "This is an extraordinary moment and one that requires a collective response. It when the ethos of the Special Constabulary - supporting Scottish communities and local policing - has never been more relevant.

"The pandemic is presenting an unprecedented and dynamic set of challenges and, to support health professionals and maximise public safety, the policing response is crucial.

"The coming weeks and months will be demanding and there will be significant additional duties that we are required to discharge during this critical period. To support our overall response, we would like to include our valued Special Constables in our resourcing plans."

Police Scotland have written to all of their volunteers and their employers seeking support.