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What is a special constable?

Special constables (or 'specials') are volunteer police officers who are made up of ordinary members of the public. They work part-time alongside regular police officers.

Special constables have the same powers as regular police officers and wear a similar uniform.

All of the 51 police forces in England, Scotland and Wales, and the British Transport Police, have their own special constabulary.

• Special constables: find out more Opens new window

• The police (crime and justice section)

Why become a special?

Becoming a special constable can help you learn new skills and develop as an individual. It can boost your CV and is a great way to help make communities safer.

Working as a special gives you a unique chance to learn about the diversity of life in the UK. No two shifts as a special are ever likely to be the same.

• Working and volunteering for the police (crime and justice section)

Is becoming a special right for you?

You will need to be comfortable with dealing with all kinds of people and situations. These could range from conducting house-to-house enquiries to apprehending suspects. However, not all aspects of the role, like completing paperwork, may be as exciting as others.

To carry out your duties you will also need to be prepared to give up regular evenings and weekends. The minimum commitment most police forces require equates to four hours per week.

What are a special’s duties?

Specials have the same duties and powers in law as regular police officers, including the power of arrest (unlike police community support officers, for instance).

Specials tend to be involved in mainstream policing, rather than specialist areas like firearms or investigating crimes. However, increasingly, forces are deploying specials in these specialist roles.

As a special, your duties are likely to include:

• neighbourhood policing
  
• tackling anti-social behaviour
  
• education (for example, talking to school children about crime)
  
• raids and issuing warrants
• policing special events
  
• missing person enquiries
  
• road traffic accidents

You may also be asked to give evidence in court about arrests you’ve made or incidents you’ve attended.

Who can apply to be a special?

To apply to become a special, you must be:

• at least 18 years old
  
• in good general health

You also need to either:

• be from a country in the European Economic Area (EEA)
• have indefinite leave to remain in the UK

The EEA countries are the countries of the EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

There are no maximum or minimum restrictions on height, and no upper age limit. You don’t need any particular qualifications, although you will need to pass some tests (see below).

Who can’t apply?

In many cases, you may not be able to become a special if you have been convicted of a crime. This depends on the nature of the offence. For example, minor traffic offences, like speeding, may not count against you.

Your application is also likely to be turned down if you have received a caution in the last five years.

Certain professions are also not able to become specials, such as members of the armed forces.

To find out more about who can and can’t apply, follow the ‘special constables eligibility for recruitment’ link below. You should also contact the police force to which you wish to apply.

• Special constables eligibility for recruitment Opens new window

• Find a police force Opens new window

How does the recruitment process work?

Most police forces will take you through the same, standard recruitment process.

This is likely to include:

• a judgement test (where you’re asked to pick the most effective responses to different situations)
  
• a written test
  
• an interview
  
• a physical fitness test
  
• a medical examination
  
• an eyesight test
  

What training do you receive as a special?

Specials receive full training before starting their duties. This covers all the basic aspects of police work, including:

• powers of arrest
  
• use of equipment (such as batons and hand cuffs)
  
• preparing evidence for court
  
• self defence
  
• first aid
  

Pay and benefits for specials

Specials are volunteers, so do not receive payment for time spent on duty. However, some forces may pay an allowance for carrying out certain duties.

Specials receive their uniform free of charge, and are entitled to claim back any expenses they incur as part of their duties.

How to apply to be a special

You apply directly to the police force you are interested in volunteering for. You can only apply to one police force at a time.

• Find a police force Opens new window

Police support volunteers (PSVs)

You can also help your local police force as a police support volunteer. Unlike specials, PSVs are non-uniformed and have no police powers.

PSVs provide support to police staff and officers in over 100 different roles, including counter services, training, CCTV control room, chaplaincy and crime prevention activities. The amount of time you volunteer will depend on your role.

Most police forces have PSV schemes. Contact your local police force to see if they have opportunities for volunteers and about how to apply.

• Police support volunteers (PSVs) information Opens new window

• Find a police force Opens new window

More useful links

• Join the Specials Opens new window

• Police.uk - local crime and policing information Opens new window

• Looking for work (employment section)

• Find local crime information