male special on beat at carnival

Join the Specials

Thinking about joining the Special Constabulary? Find out what's in it for you and what forces are looking for.

The Special Constabulary are volunteer police officers.  Trained by the police force, they give their spare time to pursue this role,  providing a vital link between the regular police and their local community.

3 officers on dutySpecials come from all walks of life.  They take on a variety of work - from conducting routine patrols, to assisting at major events or crime scenes, whilst working alongside the local Police force. 

Specials receive in-depth training in self defence, powers of arrest, common crimes, and preparing evidence for court before they take on any police duties.  Once they have completed their training, they have the same powers as a regular officer and wear a similar uniform.

What's in it for you?

Joining the Specials will give you the opportunity to give something back to the community. You can expect to learn new skills, enjoy a sense of personal satisfaction, make new friends, gain insights into human nature and experience a valuable insight into the regular police force. female officer in the locker room

Being a Special, you will build upon and develop the following skill sets:

  • A committed team player
  • The ability to stay calm in a crisis and cope with the unexpected
  • Clear communicator with great inter-personal skills
  • Resolve disputes with tact, guiding others to do the right thing
  • Problem solver, negotiator and decision maker

Want to apply?

Checkout the 'police could you' website, or get in touch with your local police force. Your local force will let you know if you are eligible and provide a detailed application form for you to complete.

 'The City's Specials work with CID in plain clothes to address thefts from licensed premises, offering the clear advantage of a wider pool of faces unfamiliar to regular offenders. They work with a regular sergeant on warrants teams to arrest wanted offenders. They form task forces ...'

Ian Miller, Commandant City of London Police

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you eligible?

Basic requirements state that you must be:

  • Over the age of eighteen
  • A national of a country within the European Economic Area or have the right to live here without restrictions.

female special on duty at paradeThese are the same requirements as for regular police officers.

Personal qualities include:

  • Integrity, honesty, tact and communication. 

You will also have to take a numeracy and written/spoken English test. Most forces will give you a Police Initial Recruitment Test (PIRT), which assess your ability to check information, observe scenes and recall details. 

Physical and health expectations

You will also need a health check to make sure you're physically up to the role - this could be the same test as regular officers. Some forces also request a medical examination by either the Force Occupational Health Unit, or your family doctor.

You may be asked to have your eyes checked by an optician (some forces reimburse the cost of doctor's and optician's reports).

It is unlawful for anyone to be treated less favourably than someone else for a reason relating to a person's disability.

See Frequently Asked Questions for further information