Employer Supported Policing (ESP)
Employer Supported Policing (ESP) is a powerful partnership between employers and Cheshire Constabulary, helping to make Cheshire safer and improving the skills of your workforce.
How does it work?
As a supporting employer, you'll allow your staff who want to be volunteer police officers the time to be trained as Special Constables. Once trained, they will carry out patrols in the local area, with full police powers - alongside experienced police officers. Often these patrols are relevant and / or local to your organisation and industry.
In return, you'll receive a highly skilled, highly trained member of staff. They carry out their usual 'day job' at their workplace but now have the benefit of police training and experience, bringing with it a whole host of knowledge and skills.
Cheshire Constabulary provides the selection process, administration, vetting, medicals, training, equipment and uniform.
In return for the very tangible benefits you will receive, we ask for you to 'sponsor' staff who volunteer for the scheme, by giving them paid leave for some or all of the time they spend with us.
The level of commitment your organisation makes is flexible, with our partner employers supporting varying levels of time, so please talk to us about how much you can support the programme.
Being part of an Employer Supported Policing (ESP) scheme can benefit your business in a number of ways.
ESP is all about:
- having an innovative way for businesses, public sector organisations and the police to work proactively together
- police-trained staff working on your premises, doing their usual ‘day job’ when not on duty with Cheshire Constabulary, with the benefit of extensive experience and skills
- staff improving how they assess difficult situations, which arise in their ‘day jobs’ through their legal training and practical experience
- a key ‘marketable’ enhancement of Corporate Social Responsibility for any organisation
- forging enhanced links with the local police and an increase in the ability to tackle local problems with local officers
- having members of your staff who are properly briefed in respect of local crime trends
To become a Special Constable (a volunteer police officer) through the ESP scheme, your employee will need to carry out a minimum of 16 hours per month, which works out around one shift every two weeks. There are different ways this can be achieved, with employers adopting a range of approaches.
Becoming a Special Constable offers huge benefits in terms of staff development - benefits that could not be bought commercially. Working on the street as a police officer with the public means making decisions that have an immediate impact on the people they are dealing with, so getting those decisions right is crucial. People look to police officers for direction in stressful situations and taking charge of incidents will give your staff confidence and assertiveness which they can bring to their workplace.
At the heart of the training are the seven core skills or competencies that every police officer must be proficient in:
- Personal responsibility
- Effective communication
- Resilience
- Problem solving
- Customer focus
- Teamwork
- Respect for diversity
These are transferable skills, which they will be able to put to use in their professional capacity. Special constables are widely regarded by employers as being more committed, dependable, confident and responsible in the workplace.
We are keen that you are fully aware of the ESP programme and all the benefits it can bring. This website should provide enough information for you to make the decision to allow staff to take part, but please do email or call if you have any further questions.
Benefits for employees
Apply to join Employer Supported Policing (ESP) as a Special Constable (a volunteer police officer). After receiving training, you will have the same uniform, equipment and powers of arrest that regular police officers have to fight crime. In addition, you'll pick up extra skills and confidence that can assist in your work life and beyond - an addition to your CV and great for your employer.
Becoming a Special Constable offers huge benefits in terms of your own personal and professional development. Working on the street as a police officer with the public means making decisions that have an immediate impact on the people you are dealing with, so getting those decisions right is crucial. People look to police officers for direction in stressful situations and taking charge of incidents will give you confidence and assertiveness which you can bring to your workplace. The whole experience will develop you in various ways to make you more effective at work.
At the heart of the training are the seven core skills or competencies that every police officer must be proficient in:
- Personal responsibility
- Effective communication
- Resilience
- Problem solving
- Customer focus
- Teamwork
- Respect for diversity
These are transferable skills, which you will be able to put to use, not only in your professional capacity but also in your personal life, such as managing confrontational situations, leadership and personal safety.
The level of commitment your organisation makes is flexible, with our partner employers supporting varying levels of time, so please ask them to talk to us about how much they can support the programme.
ESP is a powerful tool in the fight against crime. You will really feel that you are making a difference - making a positive contribution whilst developing yourself with high-quality police training.
How to get in touch
If you're an employer or employee and are interested in joining ESP or have any queries, please get in touch via email: [email protected]