PLANS to allow Special Constables to reach higher ranks than their paid counterparts have been criticised by the North Yorkshire Police Federation.

The College of Policing has suggested that volunteer constables should be able to seek promotion to higher ranks, and could lead to Special Sergeants or Special Inspectors having operational command over regular police.

The college's Leadership Review said: "If they attain a rank and are deemed proficient they could be considered for direct selection to full-time roles."

A spokeswoman for the College of Policing said: "We recognise that specials have a lot more to offer and looking to the future while still respecting that specials may not wish to take on these roles at different ranks, some may and the system should support this."

Sergeant Mike Stubbs, chairman of the North Yorkshire Police Federation, praised the work of Special Constables, but said the experience needed to rise higher in the ranks could only be gained through time and experience.

He said: "I have worked closely with and trained Special Constables for many years and they are, without question, dedicated individuals who have a real desire to make a contribution to their communities.

"However, no-one is more acutely aware of the limitations of the training they receive than Special Constables themselves, and they have a far greater insight than most into the complexity of issues that their regular colleagues have to deal with."

Sgt Stubbs said supervising officers' main roles included providing advice and guidance, and acting as a mentor - something he was concerned Special Constables may not be ready to do.

He said: "Regular officers invariably take several years of full time service to develop their knowledge and professional expertise before they are considered suitable to become supervisors. Most Special Constables perform their police duties in addition to having a full time job.

"It is therefore difficult to envisage how any volunteer who may only be able to commit to eight hours duty a week could realistically achieve the same standard, which is what the College of Policing are saying they will have to meet.

"Given the financial challenges that the police service is facing, perhaps the focus should have been on developing the existing training for Special Constables so that they are able to provide greater support to their regular colleagues."