Special Constable application process

Before you apply to become a Special Constable you should fully understand what the role involves and be aware of the application process. Find out more below.

Special Constable on patrol

Understanding the role

Special Constables are volunteer Police Officers who play in important role in our mission to keep people safe and fight crime. By doing more with your free time, you can make a real difference to the place you call home.

It’s much more than patrolling the streets, you’ll have the same powers as a regular police officer and will encounter circumstances that you will not previously have been exposed to.

We’re looking for individuals from all backgrounds to become a Special Constable. You’ll need to earn trust, gain respect and build positive relationships within your local community.

The best way to understand what’s involved in being an officer at #TeamNP is to join one of our online information events.

Application process: become a special constable

1. Engagement event

If you’re looking to become a Special Constable you’ll need to attend one of our mandatory engagement 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 delve into the current topic areas that are important to Northumbria Police and find out about you in more detail.

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

Here we will discuss your start date and welcome you as a Student Special Constable. We can’t wait to have you join us as a TeamNP volunteer.

Welcome to TeamNP!

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

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 team by emailing positiveaction@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 neurodiverse condition. However, whilst having a disability does not automatically exclude you from applying to become a Special Constable, it is important to read our eligibility requirement 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 the positive action mailbox.

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 support on speaking to your employer about supporting your volunteering as a Special Constable.

TAKE YOUR FIRST STEPS INTO POLICING

Before you apply to become a Special Constable, you’ll need to join a mandatory information event.

Here you’ll gain 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 to sign up to an upcoming Teams, online event.
Can’t make these sessions? We’ll be running regular events, check back for later dates or get in touch with the talent acquisition team.

24th July 6pm – 7:30pm
13th Aug 6pm – 7:30pm