opinion: Special constable numbers have dropped by a third in five years. Could Employer Supported Policing (ESP) schemes help reverse the trend? Dr Iain Britton, from the Institute for Public Safety, Crime and Justice (IPSCJ) attended the first ESP national conference hosted by Greater Manchester Police. He reflects on the event and on the potential for employer-supported models of volunteering in policing.

OPINION: As they commence a new national research project into Special Constabulary leadership, Dr Iain Britton and Dr Carol Borland-Jones of the Institute for Public Safety, Crime and Justice at the University of Northampton, discuss why they feel the leadership of Special Constabularies is such an important issue, and raise some key debates.

OPINION: The 24th annual Lord Ferrers Awards, which recognise the contributions of Police Support Volunteers, Special Constables and Volunteer Police Cadets, took place in London on Tuesday 28th November. Dr Iain Britton, a member of the panel of judges for the awards this year, reflects on the inspirational individuals and teams who were awarded for their voluntary contributions.

Analysis: Dr Iain Britton, a CoPaCC director focused on police transformation and delivery, reflects on the announcements of investment for the third round of the Police Transformation Fund, discussing the projects which are being supported and what they tell us about the ongoing national agenda to transform policing.

ANALYSIS: As we await the announcement of the latest Police Transformation Fund awards, Dr Iain Britton - a CoPaCC Director focusing on police transformation funding and delivery - shares some thoughts on the current approach and future direction of national investment in 'transforming' policing.

OPINION: How will ongoing police reforms affect the Special Constabulary? Could their future include further integration with regulars - including the use of Taser? Dr Iain Britton, Institute for Public Safety Crime and Justice, reflects on his attendance at the annual national conference of the Association of Special Constabulary Chief Officers’ (ASCCO).

OPINION: Volunteer Reserve Deputies in the US share much of the same training and responsibilities as regular police officers - including carrying guns. Dr Iain Britton of the Institute for Public Safety, Crime and Justice reflects on his recent trip to research volunteer Reserve Deputies in Orlando, Florida, and draws some comparisons with Special Constables in the UK.

OPINION: Iain Britton, Head of the Centre for Citizens in Policing at the Institute for Public Safety Crime and Justice, reflects on the national Citizens in Policing Summit at the Palace Hotel, Manchester on Thursday 21 July.

OPINION: As National Volunteers' Week commences across the UK today, Iain Britton, of the Institute for Public Safety, Crime and Justice, talks about the huge contribution volunteers make across policing and the potential for police volunteering in the future. 

ANALYSIS: Iain Britton, from the Institute for Public Safety Crime and Justice, reflects on his attendance at the national Specials Conference, held in Chepstow on the 22nd-24th April.

OPINION: Dr Iain Britton, Lead Researcher for the IPSCJ's Centre for Citizens in Policing, outlines a new research programme and invites contributions