Your questions
Age – is there a minimum or maximum age?
The youngest age at which you can apply to be a special constable
in Essex Police is 17 years and nine months. There is no upper
age limit; however applicants must pass all elements of the
recruitment process.
Is
anyone excluded from joining?
You are not eligible to apply to join the Special
Constabulary
if your current employer relates to one of the following:
- Members of the armed forces (not including reservists)
- Traffic wardens and school crossing patrols
- Members of the employers’ police forces and private
constabularies
- Members of police authorities, magistrates, clerks to justices
and clerks to courts
- Neighbourhood and street wardens and other uniformed patrol
wardens
- Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs)
- Highways Agency Traffic Officers
- Any other occupation which the Chief Constable deems a conflict
of interest may also prevent eligibility for the Essex Police
Special Constabulary.
You
will need to declare all medical history on your medical
questionnaire.
Nationality – are there restrictions?
You must be a British Citizen or a member of the European Community
(EC) or other states in the
European Economic Area (EEA), a Commonwealth Citizen with
un-restricted right of residence in
the UK, or a citizen of the Irish Republic.
Residency – is there a qualifying period?
All applicants need to reside permanently in the UK for a minimum
of three years prior to applying. British Citizens who have been
out of the country for more than six months need to obtain a
letter of good conduct from the country/countries where they have
been residing.
Do I need a driving licence?
Special constables must hold a full manual driving licence on
commencement of training.
We ask
that you do a minimum of four hours a week, however the
majority of special constables do
more.
Height – is there a maximum or minimum
limit?
There is no maximum or minimum height limits.
Criminal record – will this affect my
application?
Some criminal convictions will not prevent you from applying.
If you apply, you must declare any conviction, civil or military,
(including minor and juvenile offences, cautions, bind overs,
reprimands and fixed penalty notices) regardless of how long
ago
these took place. Failure to declare any of these will result in
rejection.
Additionally, spent convictions under the Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974 must be declared.
What about speeding convictions?
You must declare all speeding and traffic offences including any
points on your licence within the last five years.
Can I apply if I have any financial debt?
We carry out financial checks on each applicant. If you have been
declared bankrupt, have an outstanding County Court Judgement (CCJ)
or an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) you
will need to check with our recruitment department to see if you
are eligible.
The
hours that you work are flexible but on occasion you will be asked
to do specific duties such
as air shows, concerts and county shows.
How many hours do I need to do?
We ask that you do a minimum of 4 hours a week, however the
majority of special constables do more.
You are also required to do two hours training on top of this
once a fortnight in the evening. The hours that you work are
flexible but on occasion you will be asked to do specific duties
such
as air shows, concerts and county shows.
If I become a special constable will it help me get into
the regular force?
The Special
Constabulary is voluntary, which means you do not get paid.
However, we equip you
with a uniform and you are also paid a duty allowance
Becoming a special constable does not automatically mean you
would be accepted into the
regular force.
The experience gained from being a special constable will provide a
valuable insight into policing in general. Many of our special
constables go on to become regular police officers.
How long does the application process take?
The selection process involves a number of stages and can take
between 3 and 5 months to complete.
Do I get paid?
The Special Constabulary is voluntary, which means you do not get
paid. However, we equip you with a uniform and you are also paid a
duty allowance, boot allowance, mileage and any other
out of pocket expenses you may incur.
What is the attestation?
The attestation ceremony takes place at the end of foundation
training on a weekday evening. It is attended by a chief officer, a
member of the Police Authority and a magistrate.
Special constables are required to swear the oath to the
magistrate, accepting the responsibilities of a
police officer. Friends and family are usually invited to
attend.
Can I apply if I have tattoos?
Each application is considered on its own merits. Please see
application form for full details or speak to the recruitment
department.
I have a medical condition - will this affect my
application?
You will need to declare all medical history on your medical
questionnaire. If you have a specific enquiry you can speak to our
Occupational Health team.