Special Constables

Special Constables are Volunteer Police Officers. As a Special, you wear the same uniform, carry the same equipment and hold the same power of arrest as your regular police officer colleagues.

In this unique role you will learn more about life and human nature than most people will ever see. You will need to contribute at least 18 hours per month, at times which fit around your life – whether that’s child care, education, work or other commitments – we make your shifts work.

What's involved?

Specials offer essential, valued support to regular officers. Typical duties include foot patrol, assisting at the scene of accidents, enforcing road safety initiatives, conducting house-to-house enquiries, providing security at major events, tackling anti-social behaviour, presenting evidence in court and more!

Ultimately, you will feel a great sense of achievement policing your local communities.

Meet our Specials

Special Constable - Jenny Hill

"I’m a mum, a wife – all those skills that an older female can bring to the special constable role are huge."

Learn more

Meet Special Constable Ellie

“I’ve got this – this is the reason why I signed up to be a special because I want to make a difference.”

Learn more

Special Sergeant - Owen Swain

"I wanted to do what all Police Officers do. I wanted to help people more than anything."

Learn more

Special Constable - Aniela Collishaw

"Working with your colleagues gives you that sense of safety that we've got each other's backs."

Learn more

Special Constable - Shamilah Mehta

"I’m going to look back and think “I did that”. They’ll be really proud moments for me to look back on."

Learn more

Special Constable - Elland Rogers

“You’re made to feel really welcome, and you make friends with people you wouldn’t expect to make friends with. You’ll go into situations that you never thought you would.”

Learn more

Special Constable - Idnan Jaffri

“Do it! Make a difference and represent the communities that you’re from. Go home after a shift knowing you’ve made a positive impact in your community.”

Learn more

Special Constable - Johanna Grant

“It was the adrenaline you get when you’re on that call and you don’t know what to expect. It’s the unknown, and it’s exciting.”

Learn more

Special Constable - Paul Sturrock

“Making a difference to someone at what is perhaps the worst moment of their lives – being able to do that is a privilege.”

Learn more

Previous slide

Next slide

You may apply aged 17, but must be aged 18 or over when you start with us. There is no upper age limit.
Be a British citizen, or an EU/European Economic Area (EEA) national, Commonwealth citizen or foreign national with Indefinite Leave to Remain or Pre-Settled/Settled status and no restrictions on your stay in the United Kingdom.
Be in good health and able to physically and mentally perform your duties.
No history of imprisonment or youth detention – any criminal record/conviction will need to be declared.

There are some jobs which can cause a possible conflict of interest – these are known as ‘precluded occupations’. Examples include:

Bar work including door staff,
Armed Forces,
Immigration Officers.

This is not a complete list, if you would like to know more, please contact the recruitment department.

Typically, the process from initial application through to start date can take up to six months.

completion of self-assessment questionnaire,
application,
undertake the online National Sift assessment,
assessment including competency based interview and dictation test at either Sulhamstead, Berkshire or Kidlington, Oxfordshire,
provisional offer,
vetting, references and medical checks (including fitness test),
training intake start date.

Initial training is 10 whole weekends (Every other weekend) over a 5 month period – usually Friday evening to Sunday afternoon and is held at training locations to be confirmed.

Please visit our Vetting – FAQ page for more information.

Employer Supported Policing (ESP) is a partnership between employers, their staff and the police to support Special Constabulary duties. Employers who have an ESP scheme in place may offer additional paid leave for special constable training or duties.

To learn more about ESP, please visit our Employer Supported Policing page