Special Constables

Special Constables are volunteer police officers. They wear the same uniform, have the same legal powers and are part of the same team as full-time police officers.

Special constables help keep Essex safe. They respond to emergencies. They investigate crime. They support local communities. They help keep our roads safe. They work with our specialist teams at our airports, along our coastlines and rivers, in our rural communities.

Working with our full-time police officers, special constables help people and catch criminals.

Joining as a Special Constable is a chance to do something amazing for your community - and for yourself. Here are some of the benefits:

• Make a real difference - Help keep people safe and support those who need you most.
• Learn new skills - From communication and problem-solving to practical policing skills, you’ll gain experience that lasts a lifetime.
• Boost your confidence - Build resilience and leadership qualities that will help in every part of life.
• Stand out professionally - Add valuable, transferable skills to your CV and show employers you can handle responsibility.
• Enjoy variety and excitement - No two shifts are the same. You’ll experience things most people never see.
• Connect with your community - See where you live from a new perspective and make a real impact.
• Be part of a team - Work alongside regular officers and other volunteers, making friendships that last.
• Feel proud - There’s nothing like the sense of achievement that comes from helping others.
• Flexible volunteering - Fit your duties around work and family life.
• Employer support - Some employers even offer paid time off for Specials.
• Expenses covered - Travel and subsistence costs are reimbursed.

To become a Special Constable, you’ll need to commit to around 27 days of training before you can be sworn in. Training is usually spread across weekends and evenings, so it can fit around your other commitments.

• Classroom learning - covering law, police powers, evidence, and community engagement.
• Personal Safety Training - learning conflict management, handcuffing, and defensive skills.
• Emergency First Aid - gaining essential first aid skills for emergencies.
• Practical skills - using radios, IT systems, and writing statements.
• Scenario-based training - practising real-life policing situations to build confidence.
• Attestation - a swearing-in ceremony where you gain full police powers and officially become a special constable.
• Accompanied patrols - working alongside experienced officers after initial training.
• Ongoing development - mandatory training sessions (classroom-based and online) plus annual safety refreshers to keep your skills sharp.
• Portfolio of work - After completing your initial training and have attested, you’ll need to complete an Operational Competence Portfolio (OCP). This is a record of tasks and experiences that show you can apply what you’ve learned in real situations. It’s important because it proves you’re safe, confident, and ready to patrol more independently. 
  Newly attested special constables will be teamed up with experienced officers.

Once you’re attested you’ll be expected to volunteer at least 16 hours per month on duty (not including training requirements).

Once you finish your portfolio and reach Directed Patrol Status (DPS), it means you’ve shown you can patrol safely and work more on your own, but still with some supervision. After this, you can look at moving up in rank or joining specialist teams, such as roads policing, marine units, or investigations. Or choose to become a Community Special. 

The application process is thorough and can take up to six months, or longer.

Some parts need you to fill in forms, go to interviews and have medical checks.

Most of the time is spent by our vetting team, making sure only the right people go forward.

There are eight main steps in the process. You can learn all about them if you come to one of our recruitment information events.

• Stage 1 (Optional): Expression of interest - tell us you're interested and want to find out more by completing our register your form.
• Stage 2: Apply to become a special - complete our online application form.
• Stage 3: National sift - complete a series of questions online.
• Stage 4: Eligibility checks - we undertake basic checks to confirm you are eligibility.
• Stage 5: Online briefing - attend a mandatory group meeting which explains the recruitment process.
• Stage 6: Competency based interview - held online or in person.
• Stage 7: Pre-employment checks - vetting, medical, fitness test etc.
• Stage 8: Start your training - successful applicants will be invited to join our award winning Special Constabulary and begin their training.

Special Constables follow the same Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Behaviour as paid police officers - both on and off duty.

Being a constable is a privilege. It comes with important powers and responsibilities. As a volunteer police officer, you’ll have the same powers as a regular officer, and the same high expectations when it comes to standards and public service.

If you have the skills, commitment and professionalism to police your community fairly and without bias, we’d love to hear from you.