The number of Special Constables in Lothians and Scottish Borders has dropped from 102 to just 36 since 2013.
The figures come from an FOI and show figures across Scotland also in decline, falling from 1387 in 2013 to 511 this year.
Recruitment levels have also fallen with just 11 Specials being added in Lothians and Borders in the last three years.
Due to concerns about policing in the area, Scottish Borders Council have supplemented policing by adding Community Action Teams across the Scottish Borders since 2018. These teams have concentrated on ‘low level’ crimes and recently reported they had seized drugs with an estimated street value of £1.4m since being introduced.
John Lamont MP said: “I know that Borderers are always very grateful for the work of their local police constables and I pay tribute to those special constables who volunteer to keep their communities safe.
“It is really disappointing to see the numbers fall so significantly across the Lothians and Borders, with just 36 across a very large area.
“We are fortunate that the conservative-led Scottish Borders Council have stepped in by providing the extra support through the local Community Action Teams. This will help to keep our communities safe.
“The local Community Action Team, funded by the council, have helped keep our streets safe, when the Scottish Government have been letting Special Constable numbers fall.”
Rachael Hamilton MSP said: “The reduction in the number of Special Constables in the Borders and across Scotland is startling.
“These officers are vital to our local communities, working alongside the full-time police to patrol the streets, deter crime and engage with residents.
“Without the invaluable work they do, the Borders is certainly not as safe.
“Since the inception of Police Scotland in 2013 the SNP have failed to maintain the number of special constables and Humza Yousaf must act swiftly to address this and put specials back into our communities.”
