The paper examines public motivations to volunteer as Special Constables and seeks to understand their experiences when engaging in this role. There is little qualitative research examining the experiences of volunteers and yet such literature is pivotal in supporting positive future engagement of a valuable resource. Six currently serving SCs were interviewed. The semi-structured interviews were analysed qualitatively through thematic analysis. Four main themes emerged: Proud to be a Special, Lines of division, Levels of training, and, Mind the gap. The SCs recognised their role as a utilitarian resource with both positive and negative impacts on Regular Police Officers. The findings highlighted the need for a careful balance between having enough SCs to maintain appropriate policing and yet ensuring opportunity for sufficient experience to develop and implement their skills, successful demonstration of which would support more positive working relationships with Regular Police Officers.

中文翻译：

---

“以特殊身份感到自豪”：一项定性研究，探索英国特殊警察的经验

本文研究了公众志愿担任特殊警员的动机，并试图了解他们在担任这一角色时的经历。很少有定性研究来考察志愿者的经历，但是这类文献对于支持未来积极参与有价值的资源至关重要。采访了六位当前在职的SC。通过专题分析定性分析了半结构化访谈。出现了四个主要主题：引以为傲的特殊性，部门划分，培训水平以及注意差距。标准委员会认识到他们的作用是一种功利性资源，对正规警察有积极和消极的影响。