David Ruffley MP today pointed to newly published government figures showing the number of special police constables across Suffolk has fallen by 27 per cent since 1997. The figures were obtained by Conservatives in Parliament.

David said: 'No wonder that seeing the police on the beat is such a rarity. New government figures have exposed that the number of special police constables has fallen by 44 per cent across England and Wales since 1997.

'Special constables play a vital role in neighbourhood policing. But specials, like full-time officers, are being overwhelmed by bureaucracy and paperwork. Morale across the police has plummeted. Disenchantment and frustration have led to a huge retention and recruitment crisis as these figures show.

'Conservatives want to see police back on the beat on Suffolk's streets. We will give local communities a greater say on police resources and priorities by creating elected police boards. On top of this, we will fund an additional 379 full-time police officers to make our streets safer.'