Very interesting posts.
Over here they boost the police number by having unpaid Honary Constables who dress like coppers,sound like coppers and have limited powers.
They are gleaned locally by each of the 12 parishes. They play a vital role in that they help to police the traffic,speeding control and parking etc. They work on foot and patrol the parish shops,pubs and streets. They are well known usually by their first names and generally have their ear to the ground. When I arrived 2 years ago I went to the local pub and the constable ,off duty at the time, made himself known to me. So he knew my name where I lived etc.
They dish out tickets and then you are called before the parish where you are either fined,let off,given a verbal warning or have your case sent before the courts. A system that works over here but may not work in the UK. One gets a rollocking and warning for being drunk,no car lights,speeding etc .But one thing is that all the locals know him and him you .He/she is approachable and replaces the vital role of beat bobby by 'noticing' things or chatting to parishioners of anything sinister or changes within the area etc.
