Special Constabulary

The Specials are a force of trained volunteers who provide a valuable link between the police and the local community. With the same powers as regulars they work in their free time on a variety of police duties.

Since April 2007 the policy on the Special Constabulary transferred from the Home Office to NPIA.

Male special constable on duty The Special Constabulary can play an important role in reassuring the public and providing a much needed 'sense of security'. Research shows that communities prefer visible, accessible and familiar policing, factors which can be enhanced by the development of a Special Constabulary.

Via our website you will find downloadable resources designed to be used in force, the Specials Magazine written for serving Specials, useful weblinks and contact information designed to support the promotion of Specials throughout the UK.

Latest News

Specials Magazine - Summer 2009

This edition focuses on the recent Special Constabulary and Police Support Volunteers Award, with features on policing the G20 rally and updates on the implementation of the Special Constabulary National Strategy. Download PDF

Special Constables and Police Support Volunteers Awards 2009

The Special Constables and Police Support Volunteers Awards ceremony took place on Wednesday 17 June 2009. The event was held at the prestigious Church House in Westminster where there was a fantastic turnout - with over 100 representatives from 29 forces in England and Wales.

Also present were representatives from ASCCO, APA, HMIC, NPIA, and the new Minister of State for Policing, Crime and Counter-Terrorism, The Rt Hon David Hanson MP. Earl Ferrers, the founder of the awards and a Minister of State at the Home Office between 1988 and 1994 was also in attendance. DCC Jim Barker-McCardle, Deputy Chief Executive of NPIA opened the awards and David Hanson MP presented the awards. Listen to audio clips from key presentations.

There were 5 winners across the award categories, 7 highly commended, and one runner up for the Ferrers Trophy. Special Inspector Kevin McHardy of Cheshire Constabulary was awarded the Ferrers Trophy this year for setting up Operation Rome - an ambitious operation to tackle antisocial behaviour and low level crime.

The Minister was full of praise for Special Constables and Police Support Volunteers and remarked on how much their work was valued. Please follow link to view full list of 2009 award winners.

Full coverage of the day will be published shortly in the July edition of the NPIA Specials magazine. This will be available for download from this webpage.

Specials Conference 2010

The conference will run from 19 - 21 March 2010 and is being hosted by the Metropolitan Police. The conference will include senior Special Constables and regular officers, local Specials, officers and police staff, as well as key national and international policing partners and stakeholders.

SC2010 is about sharing the success of the Special Constabulary. It aims to promote the significant efforts of the Special Constabulary's volunteer police officers in forces throughout England and Wales whilst also looking at the way ahead. Please see the conference website for further detail

Special Constables Legal Fees Insurance Scheme

Please note the scheme was renewed from 1st April 2009 and the indemnity limit has been increased from £50,000 to £100,000. The new Summary of Cover is available below, the terms and conditions remain the same.