Would you like to police your local community?
Many people in Cheshire regularly put their spare time to good
use by becoming Special Constables.
Specials, as they’re known, come from all walks of life - they
are teachers, taxi drivers, accountants and secretaries, or any
from many other careers - and they all volunteer a minimum of four
hours a week to their local police force, forming a vital link
between the regular police and the local community.
In Cheshire, we have over 300 people who have converted their
spare time into action by becoming a Special. They get involved in
a wide range of operational duties - patrolling city centres,
visiting crime hot spots and helping regular’s officers in a
variety of activities.
Once they have completed their training, Specials have the same
powers as regular officers and wear the same uniform.
Cheshire's Special Constables have performed over 60,000 duty
hours, many of which have been spent on specific operations
targeting areas of the community where repeated complaints from
residents are received in relation to anti-social behaviour.
The Special Constabulary play an integral role in community
policing and there is no doubt that their dedication makes a
difference to peoples lives.
In this section, you can find out more about the history of the
Special Constabulary, how to apply and Frequently Asked Questions
about the role.
Cheshire’s Specials have been regularly recognised nationally
for their work. Read about their achievements in Commendations.
What's in it for you?
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 with every day you
volunteer.
People join the specials for many different reasons.
You may want to:
- Give something back to the community
- Learn new skills and gain valuable experience
- Challenge yourself
- Learn first-hand about the police force before committing to a
full-time job
- Have a second chance if you've unsuccessfully applied for a job
as a regular officer
What’s so special about being a Special?
Not much, you may think - but you'd be wrong.
Every one of the 43 Police forces in the UK has its own Special
Constabulary. On average they make up 25% of each Force’s
strength.
Every Special Constable's presence offers essential and much
valued support to the regular officers. It is important to remember
however that Specials exist, not as a substitute for the regular
police, but as an important complement to the existing force and to
the local community.
The range of duties you may be involved with are considerable.
You will be in a position to help regular officers in day to day
tasks, helping out across a range of local events such as fetes,
shows and the planning of various operations or patrolling towns
and cities with others or on your own. The work of the police is
extremely varied and as such, your experiences will reflect
this.
As you may expect, Specials have the same powers of arrest as
regular officers. This is coupled with an understanding of the law
and the teaching of various police procedures from the use of
Captor Incapacitant Spray to self defence.
You will be working as one of a team and the experiences you
share by working closely together can lead to lasting friendships.
You will learn more about life and human nature than most people
will ever see.
What are the benefits?
Well - they are two fold. You are in an unrivalled position to
help the local community and make it a safer place to live, free
from fear. You will get a feeling of achievement and accomplishment
at having done something to help others, while supporting regular
officers and contributing to the local community.
Personally, aside from the satisfaction and enjoyment of the
work itself, you will learn new skills and abilities. You will have
your experiences broadened and gain added talents that will enrich
your personal life.
Don’t forget to check out the Frequently Asked Questions which
can answer all your queries including what the training involves,
hours of work and more. Find out about what it’s like to be in the
Special Constabulary by the Specials themselves in our Spotlight
section.
Are there any criteria?
We accept applications from people aged 18 and upwards. The
upper age limit is dependant on your ability to be fit and healthy
and pass the medical. You have to have been resident in the UK for
3 years before applying.