(6.1) England and Wales: Special Constabulary. English Special Constables have manifested as various legal entities since 1673, but the modern-day Special Constabulary traces its roots to the 1831 "Act for amending the laws relative to the appointment of special constables, and for the better preservation of the Police," which was passed as a response to industrial violence. The role of Special Constables was redefined into its present incarnation during the First World War when a large force was recruited to both compensate for the loss of regular members who joined the war effort and to add an extra layer of protection during wartime. Special Constables were also an important component of the state's response to the British police strikes in 1918 and 1919 and the UK General Strike of 1926. Special Constables have all the legal powers of their regular counterparts when on and off duty and, as of 1 April 2007, can use their powers throughout England and Wales. Prior to this date, Special Constables' powers were restricted to within their force areas and neighbouring forces only. Special Constables are awarded the Queen's Medal for Long Service on the completion of nine years' service with a minimum of fifty tours of duty each year. A bar is added to the medal for each subsequent ten years of service. Special Constables are generally unpaid, but may receive reimbursement for mileage and other expenses incurred. However, some forces have implemented a bounty or allowance in order to attract and retain Special Constables. Special Constables may already be employees of a police force as support staff. This is generally encouraged as it brings a mutual benefit to both roles. In some forces, civilian staff that are also Specials are entitled to Special Leave, which allows for a day off per month to undertake a special duty