Become a Special Constable

We accept applications for Special Constables all year round. By attending one of our mandatory online information events, you’ll learn everything you need to know, including when our next cohort of Special Constables will be joining TeamNP. That way, you’ll have a better idea of when you could start your journey with us after applying.

Special Constable training follows a blended approach of classroom based training, pre-recorded sessions and live online sessions you can join from home.

The programme runs over 18 weeks and includes training on Saturdays (8am-4pm), Thursdays (6pm-8pm or 6pm-10pm), and some Sundays.

During the course, you’ll cover key areas such as Professional Standards, Self-Defence, First Aid, ICT, Legislation, Powers, Policies and Procedures, and more.

After you successfully complete the training, you’ll begin working through a portfolio to demonstrate your competency across different aspects of the Special Constable role. Once you’ve shown you can carry out the role safely and lawfully, you’ll gain a level of independence in your duties.

The fitness test allows an assessment to be made of your endurance to ensure you are able to meet the demands of operational policing.

The test focuses upon aerobic capacity. You will carry out a shuttle run over a 15 metre area and run in time with a bleep. At the end of each level the time in between the bleeps is shortened and you therefore have to run faster to keep up with the pace. The Special Constable pass mark is level 5.4. This involves running for approximately 3 minutes 40 seconds. If you do not think you can achieve this level, you should ensure you start improving your fitness levels as soon as you can (please check with your doctor before making any big changes to your fitness regime).

If a disability or medical condition makes it difficult to complete the standard fitness test, we offer an alternative test, where candidates can walk or run on a treadmill, with the gradient increasing over time.

We invest in a whole host of wellbeing measures to make sure you’re safe, healthy and supported while you’re volunteering for us. Our 24/7 employee assistance line gives you access to welfare counselling, our mental health first aiders are on hand to offer immediate support and our award-winning trauma team are available if you’ve attended an incident of a distressing nature or faced an assault whilst on duty. Meanwhile our range of staff support associations – from the AccessABILITY association to our LGBT+ association are here to support and represent your needs, beliefs and values.

If you’re ready to take on this exciting and rewarding role, you’ll need to commit a minimum of 200 hours each year – that’s around 4 hours per week. This includes both duty time and training.

To get the most out of your experience, we recommend joining your regular officer colleagues for full shifts of 8-12 hours whenever possible. You’ll also make the biggest impact by volunteering during peak times like evenings, nights, weekends, bank holidays and major events in the sporting calendar.

Become a Special Constable is a meaningful commitment, so it’s important to think about how it fits with your work, family and social life.

No, Special Constables are not paid as the role is entirely voluntary. However, you can claim expenses for travel to and from your designated police station. We’ll also provide you with a full uniform and all the essential kit you’ll need for duty.

Volunteering as a Special Constable with Northumbria Police comes with a range of additional benefits. You’ll gain valuable skills, receive ongoing training, and become part of a supportive policing community – all while making a difference in your local area.

No, holding a full UK driving licence is not essential to become a Special Constable with Northumbria Police. You can still apply and serve in most areas of policing without one.

However, if you’re interested in volunteering specifically with our traffic team, a full UK driving licence is required. If this is something you’re aiming for, please make sure to mention it in your application.

You can request to be based at s specific location, and we’ll do our best to match your preference. Once you reach the final offer stage of the application process, you’ll speak directly with our Talent Acquisition Team to share your preferred area. If your application is successful, we’ll confirm your station before you begin your training programme.