You must be able to cope with the physical demands of the job. You don’t need to be able to run a marathon; however you do need to be able to maintain a level of health and fitness throughout your career, which will be tested at periodic intervals commencing during the pre-employment stage.

If you take regular exercise such as walking, swimming or jogging then you should have no problem with achieving and maintaining the required level of fitness. If you have concerns about your level of fitness you should take steps to start improving this (please check with your doctor before making any big changes to your fitness regime and lifestyle).

Remember that fitness and health are pivotal aspects of a career in the police service. You are therefore required to reflect on your daily habits and routines and aim at constantly improving your overall health and fitness. This is not just an entry requirement, it is a commitment you must maintain throughout your career and one for which you are expected to take full personal responsibility.

Northumbria Police requires a minimum commitment of 200 hours per annum. This includes time spent performing duty and undertaking training. Whilst this equates to around 4 hours a week, you will get most benefit from the role if you are able to work a full shift with your regular officer colleagues and if you can attend at times when demand for policing services is at its highest.

Our peak times are evenings/nights and weekends, bank holidays and key events in the sporting calendar. You should give careful consideration as to how will fit this in to your lifestyle and around any work/family/social commitments. If you are able to align with a regular shift and support them during their busy times then both you and the organisation will achieve most benefit from the role.

If you are a candidate with a protected characteristic (BAME, Female, Disability, LGBT, etc) please get in touch with our Positive Action mailbox if you have any questions about the additional support available to you throughout the application process.

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. Whilst having a disability does not automatically exclude you from applying to be a Special Constable, 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. For the College of Policing assessments please visit the following website for more information.  

As a special constable you will have the same powers as regular Northumbria police officers. You will be provided with a thorough training package which covers the many aspects of police work you will carry out.

Special constables receive 144 hours of taught classroom based training and are expected to complete additional home study. The training will be held over an 18 week period made up of Saturdays (8am-4pm), Thursdays (6pm-10pm) and some Sundays. The programme involves 2 exams which you will be required to pass so you should build in study time for this.

After successful completion of your training you will be formally appointed as a Special Constable at an Attestation Ceremony.

The course will start on either a Wednesday evening or a Saturday and will involve training in:

• Professional Standards
• Self Defence
• First Aid
• ICT
• Legislation
• Powers, Policies and Procedures

You need to be sure you can commit to this training when considering if this is a volunteer role for you. Training will continue whilst working with Northumbria Police as a special constable.