Does my occupation affect my ability to apply?
The following occupations prevent you from applying for a role
as a Special Constable as these may cause a conflict of
interest:
- Members of Police Authorities
- Magistrates
- Clerks to justice
- Clerks to Courts
- Members of employer's Police Forces
- Holders of liquor licences, managers of licensed houses and
their husband or wife
- Licensees of betting and gaming establishments and lottery
promoters
- Bailiffs and warrant officers
- Probation officers
- Members of private security organisations (whether directors,
partners or employees)
- Includes security personnel, guards, door staff
- May also include prison custody officers
- Private detectives and enquiry agents
- School crossing patrols and traffic wardens
- Members of Fire Services
- Members of the Armed Forces
- If you are a member of the reserve forces then you can join the
Special Constabulary and the same works in the opposite
directions.
- Members of medical, nursing and midwifery professions, and
Ambulance Service (unless written permission is given by their
employing NHS Trust or Health Authority)
- Neighbourhood, street wardens and other uniformed patrol
wardens
- Highways Agency traffic officers
- Subject to approval by the Chief Superintendent of Personnel
Services, members of the Territorial Army may be permitted to join
the Special Constabulary whilst still serving in the Territorial
Army.
Do I have the same authority as a regular officer?
Yes. You have the same powers of arrest as a Regular Officer in
Cheshire Constabulary and bordering forces. You also wear the same
uniform which is provided for you.
Can I choose where to work?
Sometimes. It depends on the capacity of the Neighbourhood
Policing Team you have requested.
How many hours will I have to work?
We ask that you volunteer 4.25 hours per week or more if you
can.
Can I claim expenses?
Yes. Travel expenses and some other out of pocket expenses that
are incurred during your duties as a Special Constable.
Can I get promoted?
Through promotion, you can become a Special Sergeant, Special
Inspector, Special Chief Inspector, Special Superintendent, Special
Deputy Chief Officer or Special Chief Officer. Each rank
progression brings extra responsibility as with the regular
service.
Would I receive continuous professional training?
Yes, once you have completed your foundation training course and
are out on division performing duty your continuous training will
be delivered at divisional level to ensure you are always up to
date with current laws, legislation and procedural matters. You
will also be working towards Independent Patrol Status, with the
help of a Personal Development Portfolio.
Does being a Special Constable help me become a Police
Officer?
Being a Special Constable will enable you to experience all
aspects of police work and gain a wealth of professional knowledge.
There are promotion prospects within the Specials through our own
rank structure. However time served as a Special officer will not
guarantee a position as a regular officer.
Can I get Employer Support?
Many companies have policies in place whereby staff who
volunteer are allowed additional paid leave to carry out their
volunteer duties. This is in recognition of the additional skills a
volunteer develops in communicating with people, having the ability
to deal with the unexpected, to work as part of a team and show
commitment. Employers feel volunteering provides their staff with
transferable skills as well as ensuring motivated and loyal
employees.
You can contact the Recruitment
Team at HQ to see if your employer is on the Employer Support
List or if you are an employer or work within the HR team why not
consider recognising Volunteering opportunities as part of your
corporate/social responsibilities policy.