Special Constable recruitment opens with a new fast-track training programme

Leicestershire Police begins its search for special constables today (Monday 25 April) and for the first time is offering applicants the opportunity to complete a fast-track training programme.

Special constables are volunteer police officers who play a key role in helping to police Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. They hold the same powers as regular police officers, wear the same uniform and work hard to make communities safer.

Special Constable Kai Monachello joined four years ago after witnessing a hit and run in his hometown. He said: “Ever since I was a kid I was interested in the police, and seeing them respond to the hit and run reignited my interest.

“I’ve always been told that you have to have a strong moral compass to do this, which I have, and I’m proud to be able to stand up for what’s right.”

Kai works full-time as a recruitment consultant and says that his experiences as a special constable have helped him to work better under pressure, analyse situations calmly and keep a cooler head in the workplace.

He added: “If you want something to do on a Friday night, that isn’t watching tv, please come and join us. It could give you some of the proudest days of your life.”

Every officer brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with them, and in return will receive specialist training, a whole host of new skills and will be part of Leicestershire's policing family. 

There are opportunities to gain experience in specialist areas such as roads policing, rural crime, cybercrime and much more.

Superintendent Adam Slonecki, lead for Leicestershire’s Special Constabulary said: “The role can be so incredibly varied; one shift you could be out with officers responding to emergency calls and the next could be spent supporting neighbourhood officers to build a safer community.

 “This year we’re very excited to be introducing a new fast-track training option along with our existing training. The fast-track training programme will take place at our headquarters in Enderby for six full weeks, Monday to Friday, from 15 August until 23 September 2022. Attendance is compulsory so you will need to make sure you’re able to attend every session.

“There is still the option to select our existing training programme which has been designed to fit around your other commitments. This training will begin in November and last for six months, taking place over weekends and during some evenings.

“If you’re looking to make a valuable contribution to your community, learn new skills and challenge yourself, then becoming a Leicestershire Police special constable could be the role for you."

The force is holding a number of online recruitment seminars for those who are interested in applying. The seminars will offer the chance to find out first-hand what it is like to be a special, learn about the role, training, eligibility, application process and speak to serving specials about their experiences.

To find out more and to book a place on a recruitment seminar, please visit leics.police.uk/couldyou.

There are limited spaces available so please book early to avoid missing out.

The force will also be hosting a question and answer sessions live on Facebook on Tuesday 26 April at 12:30pm. No registration is required for the Facebook Live sessions but make sure to follow the force’s Facebook page (Leicestershire Police) beforehand.

Leicestershire Police will be accepting applications for the role of special constable on the fast-track training programme until Sunday 8 May 2022, and the deadline for the existing training programme is Sunday 15 May 2022. To find out more and apply online, please visit leics.police.uk/couldyou.

 

Special Constable Kai Monachello