POLICE are facing a recruitment crisis after figures revealed that the number of special constables in North Yorkshire had dropped by 45 per cent in four years.
Critics said the decline, from 337 in September 1997 to 186 last September, had been caused by overwhelming bureaucracy and paperwork.
Vale of York MP Anne McIntosh said the slump indicated a "huge retention and recruitment crisis" caused by disenchantment and frustration.
But North Yorkshire Police said the reduction in numbers had resulted from a change in the nature of the job, which had demanded a greater commitment in time, which some people were not able to give.
"There is more and more training involved, in machinery, the law and policing techniques," said force spokesman Tony Lidgate.
He said there were currently 182 specials, compared with 180 this time last year, with another nine in training.
"We are looking for 42 more. There's a great need for special constables. They do a tremendous job," he said.
Miss McIntosh said the statistics showed that North Yorkshire Police had experienced an bigger drop than the rest of England - 44.8 per cent compared with the national figure of 37 per cent.
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