male special on beat at carnival

Advice to Forces

This section provides basic guidelines and advice for forces deploying and managing Special Constables.  It aims to help you get the best out of your Specials by learning from the experiences of other forces.

Reassurance policing

Thanks to the police service, there has been a huge reduction in crime over past years but public perception does not reflect this success. 

The need to provide a publicly perceived 'sense of security' is vital. Making a real difference is only possible if reassurance is recognised as an integral part of the force's day-to-day business alongside priority crimes.

Find out how you can employ a Special Constabulary to reassure your community, identify the priorities, increase understanding, knowledge and tactics.

Download guide to reassurance policing.

 

Recruitment

The first step to achieving a committed volunteer workforce is a successful recruitment process. As candidates receive little or no financial reward this must be taken into account during recruitment. 

The process should be accessible and simple, aiming to welcome and encourage applicants rather than creating barriers.

We have produced a guide that contains:

  • Successful recruitment and retention ideas
  • Marketing advice and how to target specific groups
  • Who you need to involve
  • A recruitment criteria and candidate assessment.

Download your guide to recruitment.