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Section 27: Special constables

Police Act 1996 (1996 c. 16)

(1) The chief officer of police of the police force maintained for a police area may, in accordance with regulations under section 51, appoint special constables for that area.

(2) Subject to provision included in a collaboration agreement by virtue of section 23(4), section 24(3) and regulations under section 51, all special constables appointed for a police area shall be under the direction and control of, and subject to dismissal by, the chief officer of police.

Reproduced from legislation.gov.uk as captured on 2026-07-13. Statute is amended over time — check the source below for the version in force. This is a reference, not legal advice.
View s.27 on legislation.gov.uk

Source: legislation.gov.uk, Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.