Welcome to the combined Essex, Hampshire and Thames Valley Police Specials website and thanks for your time in considering one of these three forces as a potential destination for a career as a Special Police Officer.

The site contains all the information you need to make up your mind about becoming a Special. It covers what being a Special is about, the three separate forces and the rewards and benefits on offer.

There’s even a case study page where you can read what existing Special Constables have to say about their role. If, when you’ve found the answers to all your questions, you think becoming a Special is right for you, you can register your details with us. It could be the best decision you’ve ever made.

Each of the 43 Police forces in England and Wales has a Special Constabulary.

These teams consist of men and women, volunteers willing to devote some of their spare time towards policing the local community.

Specials have exactly the same powers in law as their regular colleagues and this includes the power of arrest. As a result, Specials get involved in all aspects of modern policing, including crime prevention, raids and warrants, high profile events, missing person enquiries, road traffic accidents, anti-social behaviour, burglaries and violent scenes.

Most Specials fit their volunteer role around their day job employment and must be able to commit to a minimum average of four hours per week. We believe this is a small sacrifice when you consider the enormous sense of personal achievement that comes from making such an important local contribution.

There are many reasons why people decide to become Special Constables. For some, it's about doing something worthwhile, exciting and challenging in their spare time. For others, the big attraction is the chance to give something back to the community. Then there's also the sense of camaraderie and the close working relationships that stem from being with like-minded individuals. Whatever your reasons, you can be sure the Special experience opens up a world of opportunity for personal and professional development.

Special Constables are calm, measured individuals with a mature outlook on life.

They’re people with the physical and mental endurance to finish their day job and then begin a shift with a completely different set of challenges.

Being a Special certainly isn’t for the faint hearted, nor is it for heroes looking to change the world by fighting crime. What we’re looking for are people who can empathise with others and listen to their needs; those who are willing to commit their time to the Police force in order to help protect the community.

If this describes you then we’d love you to get in touch with us. You can register your details on the ‘Events & Register’ page on this site.

Thames Valley Police, Hampshire Police and Essex Police are always recruiting Special Constables and applying to become one is simple.

To download an application form or for further details of how to apply to your preferred force, please click the links below:

Thames Valley Police
Alternatively, contact us at the Specials Recruiting Team Tel: 01865 846612 Email: recruitmentSpecialCo@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk

Hampshire Police
Alternatively, contact us at the Special Constabulary Team Tel: 023 8074 5315 / 023 8074 5170 / 023 8074 5425
Email: Recruiting.specials@hampshire.pnn.police.uk

Essex Police
Alternatively contact us at Special Constabulary Team Tel: 01245 452277

Register
If you think that being a Special is the right move for you and you’d like to get the ball rolling then register your details and we’ll be in touch soon.

Rest assured we’re always looking for new Specials and if we think you’d be a good addition to the team we’ll let you know straight away and you can start the application process.

Providing your application is successful and you’re still keen on becoming a Special, you’ll be invited to attend an eight-week formal training course.

Designed to give you a solid understanding of the essentials of police duties and to prepare you fully for your new role.

The exact location will depend on which force you intend to join, but once you’ve completed it, you’ll be attested at a ceremony in front of a magistrate. This marks the beginning of your volunteer career as a ‘Special’.

Training course schedule

Five law weekends (residential)
The law – including theft, burglary, public order and traffic.
Police powers – including arrests.
Diversity and equal opportunities.
Radios – operation and use.
Two officer safety training weekends (non-residential)
Tactical communications and unarmed defensive tactics.
Baton.
Handcuffs.
Captor incapacitate spray.
One first aid weekend (residential)

View a list of future training dates

Career progression

After passing the formal training, you'll train to become ‘independent patrol qualified'. You can then access training on an ongoing basis, so you can constantly learn new skills as and when you need. Your officer safety skills and first aid will be re-qualified annually. Promotion is a genuine possibility as there are six grades of volunteer police officer in Thames Valley Police: special constable, special sergeant, special inspector, special chief inspector, Assistant Chief Officer, Chief Officer (Head of the Special Constabulary). Follow the links to the relevant force site where you can find out more about training and development Thames Valley Police Hampshire and Essex

To give you a better idea of what existing Specials get from their roles and to understand their reasons for making the commitment, we spoke to a number of Constables from our own teams. We’re sure you’ll find their responses useful in helping you to decide whether or not being a Special is right for you.

Special Inspector Jim Scott MBE

“I became a member of Thames Valley Police Special Constabulary in 1992. It has been one of the most rewarding times in my life.

During my time in the Special Constabulary, I've learned a lot about myself – including both strengths and weaknesses. The experience of being a volunteer police officer is totally different from my paid employment.

I've been asked many times why I give up my spare time to help to police Bracknell. I always tell them that being a part of an organisation that can really help to change people's lives gives me a buzz like nothing else."

Acting Special Chief Inspector Nina Tanner

“I finished my training to be a special constable in 1996. That alone was a challenge for me at the time as I'm a single parent but I had wanted to become a police officer since the age of 12. It was a personal goal which I was determined to achieve.

Being a special isn't all blue lights and glamour and it certainly isn't about playing at being a police officer. We have the same powers and responsibilities and are expected to provide the same high level of service as regular police officers.

In the wet, cold, snow and sunshine, there is nothing better than knowing that you are part of a great team which patrols its local neighbourhood every week of the year.

Even 12 years after I joined the Special Constabulary, I can still kick off my boots after a long shift and sit back with the feeling that I've made a difference to my local neighbourhood. How many people can say that?”

Special Constable Samuel Matthews

Special of the Year 2008 in the Community Policing Awards

“I enjoy tackling local issues that concern the neighbourhood, to help to improve the quality of life for residents.

As a neighbourhood officer, I'm able to gain an understanding of what is important for local people. I really enjoy going on patrol with officers as there is a great sense of team spirit.”

Specials training diaries

Two women from Oxfordshire share their experiences of applying and training to become a Special with Thames Valley Police. Anna-Marie Wilby and Fritha Harvey are currently undergoing formal training as they continue in their efforts to become 'Specials', having successfully completed the assessment process. Use this link to follow their progress.

Click on the titles below to find out more...

How do Special Constables compare with PCSOs and normal Police Constables?

Special Constables are volunteers and donate their time to the Police for free. They have the same powers of arrest as Police Constables. Police Community Support Officers are part of our neighbourhood policing teams and have limited powers to detain suspects until an arrest can be made.

Do you have to pay for training or uniform?

No, both are free but training takes place over eight non-consecutive weekends, so it is a significant commitment in terms of time. Once trained, we offer support from full-time officers and senior Special Constables and the provide the opportunities to build skills and experience.

What will training consist of?

Training includes courses of five law weekends, two officer safety training weekends and one first aid weekend.

What can I expect to do when I become a Special Constable?

You’ll be on the beat supporting neighbourhood policing teams, providing a Police presence at local events, and, sometimes, reacting to emergency calls. Don’t expect every shift to be a dizzying experience of flashing lights and Bill-style pursuits. The work can sometimes be cold, wet and miserable, but it is always varied and you’ll be tested whatever you’ll be doing.

Why do people join the Special Constabulary?

There is no single reason why someone becomes a Special Constable. Some people enjoy the challenge, while others want to give something back to their community by helping to keep it safe. Some Specials want to experience life as a Police Officer before committing to applying to join full-time. Others have a good career which they want to maintain, but have always wanted to work as a Police Officer and the Specials give them the chance to do both. Some Specials simply want to meet new people or increase their life-skills.

How does my career in the Special Constabulary progress?

Initially, the aim will be to become independent patrol qualified. As you gain more experience, there is the chance to gain promotion through the Special Constabulary ranks, of which there are six: Special Constable, Special Sergeant, Special Inspector, Special Chief Inspector, Assistant Chief Officer
and Chief Officer (head of the Special Constabulary).

How does a Special Constable rank against regular officers?

Police Constables (PC) and Special Constables (SC) hold the same rank. However PCs have a vast amount of experience and will often take the lead at an incident. A regular police supervisor (such as a Sergeant or above) will always outrank a Special Constable.

Will the public know that I am a special?

Apart from a small SC & Crown on their epaulettes Special Constables have exactly the same uniform and equipment as regular officers. To the public you will look exactly the same.

Can I specialise in a particular area?

Special Constables can choose to specialise in a number of areas such as Proactive bike teams, High Tech Crime or even Roads Policing however you will need to attain a high level of training and experience before being allowed entry to more specialist departments. Some departments (such as the Dog Section are not available to Special Constables) In many cases Special Constables hold skills in their day jobs that can help the police service such as computer skills.

Is there a height requirement?

There is no minimum height requirement

What about qualifications?

Educational qualifications are not a requirement for the role; however, you will be tested on your written skills throughout the application process.

What are the health requirements?

Applicants must be in good health mentally and physically to undertake duties. Candidates suffering from asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, hearing difficulties or having poor height to weight ratio will be considered on an individual basis by the Occupational Health Advisor. All applicants are subject to a full medical examination before being accepted as a Special Constable.

Is joining the Specials a stepping stone to joining the regular Police?

Yes. It is an excellent way of experiencing policing and many Specials go on to become regular, full-time officers.