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
“It’s a chance to bring a different mind set, to be willing to think out of the box, a chance to be part of the community and part of the police at the same time.”
“It’s a privilege to be involved in the things people have going on in their day-to-day lives that I would have no contact with otherwise – you could be sent to absolutely anything.”
“I get to do a role that I have always wanted to do. Beyond that, the fact that I am helping people is incredibly motivating and rewarding.”
Eligibility
- Aged over 18 by the time you start with us,
- be a British Citizen or a Commonwealth, EC/EEA or other foreign national, with right to remain,
- good health and physical shape with a BMI between 18-30,
- no history of imprisonment or youth detention – any criminal record/conviction will need to be declared.
Precluded Occupations
There are some jobs which can cause a possible conflict of interest – there 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.
Application process
Typically, the process from initial application through to start date can take up to six months.
- completion of self-assessment questionnaire,
- application,
- 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.
Employer Supported Policing
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.
If your employer doesn’t have an ESP policy but would be interested in finding out more, they can contact the recruitment team.
Apply
Special Constable recruitment is currently open – you can apply here. Special Transferees and Rejoiners should contact the team directly at recruitmentspecialco@thamesvalley.police.uk.