3,500 additional military personnel to cover the shortfall. Acceptance Historically, special constables were often looked down upon by regular officers and resented, as they were sometimes seen as "hobby bobbies" and not proper police officers. During the 1980s, specials were often considered to be preventing regular officers from earning overtime pay. A sizeable proportion of regular officers have served as special constables before joining the regular force, which is encouraged by recruitment departments. Most police forces will accept applications from the age of 18; and the minimum age to commence training is 17 years 9 months in Essex Constabulary and 17 years 6 months for Humberside Police. The Association of Special Constabulary Officers was established as a registered charity to represent special constables in relation to terms and conditions and representation at various Home Office and College of Policing boards. ASCO has also represented special constables for welfare issues and supported them as a 'police friend' in misconduct cases. Having previously not been allowed to join, the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 now allows Special Constables to join the Police Federation. They are afforded the same representation as "regulars" and are eligible to become representatives, time and schedule permitting. They must also pay the same membership fee, currently £24 per month (Discounted 50% for the first year of service), despite being unpaid volunteers. This membership also allows them benefts such as "Group Insurance" and other associated perks of the Federation. Membership is not mandatory. Honours, medals and awards Established by Royal Warrant on 30 August 1919, the Special Constabulary Long Service Medal may be earned by special constables after nine years' service, with a clasp issued for each additional period of 10 years. The name and rank of the recipient and the date of the award are engraved on the rim of the medal. Special constables are also eligible for other honours and a full list of honours can be found at the List of British Special Constables awarded honours with seven members of the Special Constabulary being awarded MBEs and BEMs in the 2019 New Year Honours. Due to a loophole in legislation, special constables in England and Wales are not eligible to be nominated for award of the Queen's Police Medal, whereas special constables in Scotland are eligible for nomination. The Association of Special Constabulary Chief Officers made representation to the Home Office requesting clarification in