Specials Q & A
What does it take to be a special?
To join the Special Constabulary no formal qualifications are needed but you will be expected to pass written tests and meet all of the eligibility criteria. Common sense and good communication skills are helpful. Other useful qualities include dedication, motivation and an ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
What is the recruitment process?
Ideally you should attend a Specials recruitment information seminar where we will provide you with an overview of the recruitment process, and raise your awareness of the role of the special constable.
Following a successful application, you will undergo an assessment centre process which will consist of various written tests and an interview. This will be followed by fitness test. On passing this, security checks will be completed and you will also be asked to obtain a complete a health information form from your doctor. References will also be sought before being offered a place with the Special Constabulary and commencement of your training program. If you are an unsuccessful applicant, we will endeavor to give you feedback.
Is anyone automatically ineligible to join?
People with certain occupations are excluded, such as:
- Armed forces
- Fire service
- Security officers
- Legal profession
- Politics
- Private detectives
The above list is not exhaustive but generally any occupation in which the powers of a special constable could be used to some advantage, or where there is conflict with professional duties, may mean you are ineligible to join. Please feel free to call us for a full list and explanation if you are unsure.
What if I have been in trouble in the past?
All successful applicants will undergo security checks, as each case is considered carefully.
You must, therefore, disclose details of any previous convictions, cautions or mitigation, in the initial application. Such disclosure does not mean you will be automatically eliminated.
Is there an age limit?
You can apply at 18.
Am I too short?
No. There are no height restrictions to becoming a special.
Is there a fitness test?
Yes there is a fitness test , how ever most people who have a reasonable level of fitness will have little difficulty in passing . Please click here to find out more details.
Do I need perfect eyesight?
As part of the role you may be required to give evidence, so eyesight and colour perception is important. The wearing of Force issued spectacles or contact lenses are permitted but the degree of eyesight correction must only be slight. Please call the recruiting department if you require further information or clarification.
Do I have to live within Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland?
No. However, you should consider the distance you would have to travel to your duty station.
How much time would I have to commit?
A minimum average of four hours per week is required and you will be expected to commit to policing three major events per year such as a football match or a Donington Park event.
You can arrange your duties to fit your availability but you will be expected to pre-book your duties several days in advance using our duty management system. This enables our resource planners to ensure your support is used to best effect.
We will also ask you to try and keep to your pre-booked duties as regular officers will be expecting and relying on you to work with them and not to let them down at the last minute by not reporting for duty.
Will it cost me anything?
No. All uniform, training and equipment are provided free of charge. There is no salary payable, but expenses for travel to and from duty are refunded along with a ‘boot allowance’ and meal expenses in some circumstances. If you live outside of the Leicestershire Constabulary police area, travel expenses will only be paid whilst traveling within the Force boundary.
How much training will I receive?
The role of constable is a demanding one and as you would expect our training must be comprehensive and effective. The programme begins with a classroom based phase usually held during a number of weekends over a period of several weeks. The programme takes you through basic law, powers of arrest, police and court practices and evidence.
During this time, there are also evening sessions spent learning about the ‘use of force’ (e.g. handcuffs, batons, incapacitant spray), first aid and unarmed defensive tactics.
Training then moves to a practical phase going out on patrol with a tutor constable for a period of time . You will then move to the final phase where you report for duty with your shift colleagues and build up your skills and experience. This final phase lasts up to 18 months and throughout you are assessed as to your progress against defined levels of competence. On successful completion of the programme, you will be formally recognised with accredited patrol status – able take your place on your shift as fully trained and capable of patrolling and dealing with incidents on your own when required.
What uniform and equipment will I get?
You will receive the same uniform and equipment as a uniformed police officer during your induction training.
Where would I work?
Generally, you will be posted to a Local Policing Unit close to where you live. As a volunteer, we would not ask you to work anywhere against your will. Under some circumstances we may exclude you from duty within a certain area and ask you to help somewhere else, but a full explanation would be given.
How would I becoming a special benefit me?
There are several ways you can benefit from the role, both personally and professionally. Certainly, there will be plenty of opportunity to develop your organisational skills, gain experience in identifying and solving problems, and enhance transferable skills such as leadership, communication and negotiation which you can use within your full time job.
Promotion within the Special Constabulary can provide opportunities to develop management and leadership qualities both being much sort after in other careers.
In addition to the above, you can enjoy the camaraderie of being part of a shift and increase your network of friends.
How do 'regular officers' react to specials?
Special constables are welcomed for the support they bring to the Force and police officers train special recruits in general subjects as well as for specialist roles, such as drugs education, crime prevention and driving police vehicles.
Many police officers were once special constables themselves, gaining an insight into the job before committing themselves to a full-time career.
Would becoming a special help me to become a 'regular'?
The Leicestershire Constabulary believes in giving everybody the same opportunity and accordingly, you would receive no preferential treatment if you had once worked as a special. However, the training and experience you gain as a Special can help to develop those skills that are needed to be a full time regular police officer.
Should I tell my employer?
Yes. There are benefits for your employer too in terms of your developing new skills that are transferable to your full time occupation. It is also important to be aware that the EC working time directive (which seeks to control how many hours we all work) is applicable to your voluntary work as well as your full-time employment.
What if I am unable to work due to an injury received while on duty or a court case?
If you are required to attend court in works time or you sustain an injury on duty you may apply to the Force for loss of earnings. There is also a Legal Fees Insurance Scheme provided by the Home Office which offers protection for certain incidents that arise on duty.
What if I want to help, but not as a police officer?
Then you can think about the Police Support Volunteer Programme. No formal qualifications are required for the role but good health, enthusiasm and a willingness to help the community is a must.
There is no upper age limit and training is limited to that required for the post. You could staff the enquiry desk at your local policing unit to keep the station open for longer or support front line officers with crime prevention initiatives.
You may also want to help out at local events in the community. Other duties could include:
- Recording lost and found property
- Giving directions to visitors
- Arranging attendance of police at crime scenes
- Taking telephone calls
No volunteer is ever used to replace, or do the work, of a paid member of staff however, volunteering, you help to free up local police officers to allow them to attend to other duties and patrol their areas.