Ms Simpson believes special constables, who volunteer their time to the service, have the potential to play a wider-reaching role.

BBC: Dorset Police Chief Constable says volunteers 'vital'

The council has extended the eight-month consultation by three months to give town and parish councils, schools and community groups time to find their own funding or to organise a volunteer service.

BBC: Protest over Dorset lollipop patrol cuts

Last year, Facebook also unveiled a check-in service for its phone apps that allow users to volunteer their location to friends, and also find deals from nearby businesses.

WSJ: Money Rushes Into Social Start-Ups

We believe that imposing this burden on our men and women in uniform would undermine recruiting and retention, impact leadership at all levels, have adverse effects on the willingness of parents who lend their sons and daughters to military service, and eventually break the All-Volunteer Force.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Assault on the military