How to become a Special Constable

Before you apply to become a Special Constable, make sure you fully understand what the role involves and how the application process works. You should take the time to explore the expectations, and commitment required so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Understanding the role

Special Constables are volunteer Police Officers who play a vital role in our mission to keep people safe and fight crime. By giving your time, you can make a real impact in the place you call home.

This role goes far beyond patrolling the streets. You’ll hold the same powers as a regular police officer and face situations that challenge and develop your skills in ways you’ve never experienced before. You’ll need to earn trust, build respect, and form strong relationships with your local community.

The best way to learn what it’s really like to be a part of Northumbria Police is to join one of our online information events. We’ll give you a clear picture of the role and answer any questions you have before you apply.

Application process

1. Information event

If you’re looking to become a Special Constable, you’ll need to attend one of our mandatory information events. Find out more at the bottom of this webpage.

2. Application form

When you submit your application with us you’ll need to share your personal and professional information, as well as any other relevant details.

3. National sift

This is a national-level process where you will complete two online situational judgment tests and a behavioural style questionnaire.

4. Interview

This is where we’ll discuss the current areas that are important to Northumbria Police and find out more about you, and your suitably for the role.

5. Conditional offer

Congratulations, you’ve received a conditional offer. Now we will ask you for some extra information so we can start “pre-employment” checks.

6. Pre-employment checks

These include a fitness test, references, a medical examination, vetting checks, biometric and fingerprint analysis and uniform fitting.

7. Final offer

We’ll discuss your start date, training programme, and welcome you as a student Special Costable.

Welcome to TeamNP!

Congratulations, you’ve successfully completed the process and are now a member of our TeamNP policing family.

  • 1
    Information event
    If you’re looking to become a Special Constable, you’ll need to attend a mandatory information event before you start your application.
  • 2
    Application form
    When you submit your application, you’ll need to share you personal and professional information as well as any other relevant details.
  • 3
    National sift
    This is a national-level process where you will complete two, online situational judgement tests and a behavioural style questionnaire.
  • 4
    Interview
    This is where we’ll discuss the current areas that are important to Northumbria Police and find out more about you, and your suitably for the role.
  • 5

    Conditional offer
    Congratulations, you’ve received your conditional offer. Now, we’ll ask you for some extra information so we can start our pre-employment checks.

  • 6
    Pre-employment checks
    These include a fitness test, references, a medical examination, vetting checks, biometric and fingerprint analysis, and a uniform fitting.
  • 7
    Final offer
    We’ll discuss your start date and welcome you as a student special constable. You’ll find out more about the training programme and when you can get started.
  • 8
    Welcome to TeamNP
    Congratulations, you’ve successfully completed the application process and are now a member of the TeamNP policing family as a volunteer officer.

What support is available?

Our in-house Positive Action team is on hand to offer support, whether you’re considering an application or are already going through the recruitment process. They’re here to help those from under-represented groups, including those from ethnic minority communities or those with a disability.

The team will work with you to understand any barriers you believe you face to joining our force. You’ll also be invited to sign up for a workshop to dispel common myths about policing, give you a good idea of what to expect from the job and the recruitment process and help you feel confident to apply.

To help you prepare for the role you can get in touch with our Positive Action representatives by emailing careers@northumbria.police.uk

It is important that Northumbria Police represent the communities we serve. We celebrate the benefits of having diverse thinkers within our organisation, including those with a disability or a neurodiversity condition. However, whilst having a disability does not automatically exclude you from applying to be a volunteer police officer, it is important to read our eligibility requirements prior to applying.  

We are happy to provide any adjustments that might support you through the application process. To discuss the support available to you throughout the application process please email careers@northumbria.police.uk.

If you’re interested in becoming a Special Constable and need support before you start your application, reaching out to the Talent Acquisition team is a great first step. They can provide you with detailed information about the application process, necessary qualifications, and talk about what your time with us will look like. Additionally, they can answer any specific questions you might have and guide you through each stage of your journey to becoming a Special Constable. Get in touch with the Talent Acquisition team.
Employer Supported Policing (ESP) is a collaborative initiative where businesses and organisations support their employees in volunteering as Special Constables. This partnership allows employees to dedicate time to their policing duties while still fulfilling their work responsibilities. You can get in touch with the Talent Acquisition team for advice on speaking to your employer about supporting your volunteering as a Special Constable.

TAKE YOUR FIRST STEPS INTO POLICING

Join a mandatory information event before applying to become a Special Constable.

The event gives you insight into what volunteering at Northumbria Police is really like, find out more about the application process, eligibility requirements, benefits, and you’ll have the opportunity to speak to current serving special constables, and members of the training and talent acquisition team.

Choose your preferred date below and sign up to an upcoming Teams, online event.
If you can’t make these sessions, don’t worry – we run regular events or get in touch with the talent acquisition team.

3rd Sept 6pm – 7:30pm
2nd Oct 6pm – 7:30pm