Special Constable

Be someone special

The Special Constabulary is a form of community service like no other.

Why not volunteer as a special constable and support the work of your police force in the community?

The Special Constabulary is a force of trained volunteers who work with and support their local police. The importance of the Special Constabulary cannot be under estimated and the need is as great today as it ever has been.

'Specials', as special constables are known, come from all walks of life - they are teachers, taxi drivers, HR advisers, secretaries, or any number of other careers - and they all volunteer an average of four hours of their time each week to their local area, forming a vital link between the regular (full-time) police and the local community.

Joining the specials opens up a world of opportunity for personal and professional advancement. Undergoing the training and then going out on patrol makes a welcome break from day-to-day life, bringing excitement and challenge every day you volunteer.

Once they have completed their training, Special Constables carry a full range of police powers, are issued with the same protective equipment, wear a similar uniform, and deal with the same type of incidents as their regular colleagues.  These may range from youth disorder and special events through to theft from shops and burglaries.