GORDON Prentice wants a new drive to reverse the fall in Lancashire's number of special constables.
Since September 1997 the force has lost 138 of the part-time coppers. Now the Pendle MP is pressing Home Secretary Jack Straw and his Junior Minister Charles Clark on the issue.
Labour back bencher Mr Prentice said: "Full-time police numbers in Lancashire are rising and that's splendid news, but there is a key role for the special constable too.
"Around one in five specials go on to join the police full-time but there are good, public-spirited people out there who are keen to serve -- but only on a part-time basis.
"We've got to bring them on board."
Mr Clark has told Mr Prentice the ministers are currently discussing how best to address the decline in the number of special constables with chief police officers and police authorities nationally.
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