Special Constabulary: Volunteer Police Officer Guide
Become a Special Constable — a volunteer police officer with the same powers as a regular PC. Learn the requirements, training, time commitment, and how to apply.
Unofficial independent resource — always verify with official sources (College of Policing, your force, PFEW).
What is a Special Constable?
A Special Constable (or 'Special') is a trained volunteer police officer who holds the same warranted police powers as a regular Police Constable. Specials serve with their local territorial police force alongside regular officers.
Unlike Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), who are civilian employees with limited powers, Special Constables are fully warranted constables. They can arrest, detain, stop and search, and use force in exactly the same way as a salaried officer — while remaining unpaid volunteers.
Full PC powers
Warranted powers
16 hrs/month
Minimum commitment
Unpaid volunteer
Salary
Requirements
Requirements are set by individual forces and may vary slightly. These reflect the national baseline.
- Aged 18 or over (no upper age limit)
- Resident in the UK — most forces require at least 3 years' UK residency
- Right to work in the UK
- Pass the same vetting process as a regular officer (Management Vetting)
- Commit to a minimum of 16 hours per month volunteering (some forces require more)
- Pass a fitness test (same bleep test standard as regular officers at some forces, reduced at others)
- Pass a medical assessment
- No serious unspent criminal convictions
Training Overview
Special Constable training varies by force but typically consists of around 20 training weekends spread over 6–12 months. Training covers:
Important: You will not be deployed on operational duties until you have completed your initial training and been formally attested as a constable.
Powers and Responsibilities
Special Constables hold the full office of constable — not a reduced or limited version. This means they have the same legal powers as a regular Police Constable when on duty.
- Full powers of arrest and detention as a regular Police Constable
- Power to stop and search
- Power to use reasonable force
- Power to issue fixed penalty notices (FPNs)
- Power to seize evidence
- Power to enter and search premises with a warrant
- Power to direct traffic
Powers are exercised only when on duty and in uniform. You do not hold police powers when off duty unless your force specifies otherwise for specific circumstances.
Benefits of Being a Special Constable
Gain hands-on operational experience in a warranted officer role before committing to a full-time career.
Special Constable experience is highly regarded by police forces and by employers in security, law, and public services.
Many regular officers began as Specials. Some forces offer priority or accelerated consideration for current Specials applying to the regular force.
Make a direct and visible difference to your local community while building valuable skills in communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making.
Develop resilience, leadership, teamwork, and emergency response skills through practical police work.
Fits around full-time employment, study, or family commitments — hours are agreed with your supervisor.
Pathway to Becoming a Regular Officer
Special Constable service is one of the most effective ways to prepare for a career as a regular police officer. The experience gives you a realistic picture of policing, develops your CVF competencies, and demonstrates commitment to a career in the service.
How to Apply
Applications are made directly to your local territorial police force. Most forces accept applications via their force website. Recruitment windows open periodically — check your force's website for current vacancies.
Use the BlueLineHub Force Finder to locate your local force and find links to their Special Constabulary recruitment pages.