Special Constable November 2019 **External**
Forcewide
Do you want to experience something unique?
Are you ready for a new volunteering challenge?
Would you like to contribute towards something of real value?
West Yorkshire Police is looking to recruit individuals to the Special Constabulary. This is a vital area of policing where dedicated volunteers contribute towards keeping our communities safe, and in return, experience something very exciting, rewarding and often life-changing.
Special Constables have the same powers as regular police officers, wear the same uniform and equipment, and perform the same role on a voluntary basis. They undertake a wide range of police duties and provide a vital link between the police and the diverse communities that we serve, helping the Force to meet policing needs and increase the public’s confidence in the police service.
Special Constables are expected to provide a high quality of service at all times. They are quick-thinking problem-solvers, team players who communicate well, and have the ability and resilience to cope with the unexpected. They are committed and enthusiastic individuals who demonstrate the utmost levels of integrity, fairness and respect.
For those who meet these high standards and are appointed to the Special Constabulary, we will provide full initial and on-going training in order to gain knowledge of the law and develop a wide range of skills and responsibilities. We have a variety of course dates available for the training.
Special Constables are usually attached to Neighbourhood Policing Teams where they work in the community carrying out high visibility patrols, making arrests and dealing with anti-social behaviour. They also work at football matches and other public events such as galas and concerts, support regular officers in times of emergency, and assist with other matters such as crime prevention, taking crime reports, witness interviews, enquiries, escorts, youth diversion and transport. Special Constables play a very real part in reassuring the public.
Our Special Constables volunteer a minimum of 16 hours per month, which usually equates to two 8 hour shifts (with some enjoying it so much they work more), meaning the role can easily fit around a regular job. You must be at least 18 years old to apply. There is no upper age limit but you must have a good level of fitness and be able to pass the physical fitness test and a medical examination. You will also demonstrate your ability for the role through a competency-based Application Form and an Assessment Centre which comprises an interview and written tests. Successful individuals will be expected to give their full commitment to the training programme. * There is a 2 year tenure in place and a clear expectation that anyone applying for this role is committed to fulfilling 2 years’ service as a Special Constable ahead of a formal application to join as a Regular Officer. * ( applies to applications received from the 27th July 2020)
We would welcome applicants that already have fulfilling roles and that are considering volunteering as a “Career Special Constable”. We have a diverse group of people that work as Special Constables, some of which we are proud to say have been with West Yorkshire Police for 30 years or more.
For anyone considering joining the Special Constabulary who has an aspiration to apply to join as a regular police officer at some point in the future, it is important you understand there are now two new entry routes to become a regular police officer:
• The Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) – this is a three year programme, which upon successful completion will lead to an honours degree. To be eligible to apply for this route a level 3 qualification (or equivalent), plus GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above (or equivalent) would be required; however a minimum of 2 years service as a Special Constable would be considered in place of the level 3 qualification. If your Level 3 qualification does not meet a minimum of 104 UCAS points or you utilise the 2 years service as a Special Constable then completion of a 1000-word essay would need to be undertaken as part of the selection process, for consideration of suitability by the university.
• The Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) – this is a two year programme, which upon successful completion will lead to a level 6 diploma. This programme requires you to already have a degree and possess GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above (or equivalent).
It must be stressed that joining as a Special Constable does not give you an automatic right to progress to being a regular police officer in the future, but it will give you invaluable experience of the role, which could support you through the process.
We value different perspectives, skills and experiences. We’re creating an inclusive working culture where people from all backgrounds can succeed. That’s why we welcome applications from all our diverse communities.
Please access the link below for further information about the Special Constabulary and application guidance, including a detailed description of the Policing Professional Framework Personal Qualities, which will assist you in completing the Competency Based Questionnaire element of the application form:
https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/jobs-volunteer/special-constables/becoming-special-constable/becoming-special-constable
Completed application forms must be submitted by 23.55 hours on 31 October 2020.
Are you ready for a new volunteering challenge?
Would you like to contribute towards something of real value?
West Yorkshire Police is looking to recruit individuals to the Special Constabulary. This is a vital area of policing where dedicated volunteers contribute towards keeping our communities safe, and in return, experience something very exciting, rewarding and often life-changing.
Special Constables have the same powers as regular police officers, wear the same uniform and equipment, and perform the same role on a voluntary basis. They undertake a wide range of police duties and provide a vital link between the police and the diverse communities that we serve, helping the Force to meet policing needs and increase the public’s confidence in the police service.
Special Constables are expected to provide a high quality of service at all times. They are quick-thinking problem-solvers, team players who communicate well, and have the ability and resilience to cope with the unexpected. They are committed and enthusiastic individuals who demonstrate the utmost levels of integrity, fairness and respect.
For those who meet these high standards and are appointed to the Special Constabulary, we will provide full initial and on-going training in order to gain knowledge of the law and develop a wide range of skills and responsibilities. We have a variety of course dates available for the training.
Special Constables are usually attached to Neighbourhood Policing Teams where they work in the community carrying out high visibility patrols, making arrests and dealing with anti-social behaviour. They also work at football matches and other public events such as galas and concerts, support regular officers in times of emergency, and assist with other matters such as crime prevention, taking crime reports, witness interviews, enquiries, escorts, youth diversion and transport. Special Constables play a very real part in reassuring the public.
Our Special Constables volunteer a minimum of 16 hours per month, which usually equates to two 8 hour shifts (with some enjoying it so much they work more), meaning the role can easily fit around a regular job. You must be at least 18 years old to apply. There is no upper age limit but you must have a good level of fitness and be able to pass the physical fitness test and a medical examination. You will also demonstrate your ability for the role through a competency-based Application Form and an Assessment Centre which comprises an interview and written tests. Successful individuals will be expected to give their full commitment to the training programme. * There is a 2 year tenure in place and a clear expectation that anyone applying for this role is committed to fulfilling 2 years’ service as a Special Constable ahead of a formal application to join as a Regular Officer. * ( applies to applications received from the 27th July 2020)
We would welcome applicants that already have fulfilling roles and that are considering volunteering as a “Career Special Constable”. We have a diverse group of people that work as Special Constables, some of which we are proud to say have been with West Yorkshire Police for 30 years or more.
For anyone considering joining the Special Constabulary who has an aspiration to apply to join as a regular police officer at some point in the future, it is important you understand there are now two new entry routes to become a regular police officer:
• The Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) – this is a three year programme, which upon successful completion will lead to an honours degree. To be eligible to apply for this route a level 3 qualification (or equivalent), plus GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above (or equivalent) would be required; however a minimum of 2 years service as a Special Constable would be considered in place of the level 3 qualification. If your Level 3 qualification does not meet a minimum of 104 UCAS points or you utilise the 2 years service as a Special Constable then completion of a 1000-word essay would need to be undertaken as part of the selection process, for consideration of suitability by the university.
• The Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) – this is a two year programme, which upon successful completion will lead to a level 6 diploma. This programme requires you to already have a degree and possess GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above (or equivalent).
It must be stressed that joining as a Special Constable does not give you an automatic right to progress to being a regular police officer in the future, but it will give you invaluable experience of the role, which could support you through the process.
We value different perspectives, skills and experiences. We’re creating an inclusive working culture where people from all backgrounds can succeed. That’s why we welcome applications from all our diverse communities.
Please access the link below for further information about the Special Constabulary and application guidance, including a detailed description of the Policing Professional Framework Personal Qualities, which will assist you in completing the Competency Based Questionnaire element of the application form:
https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/jobs-volunteer/special-constables/becoming-special-constable/becoming-special-constable
Completed application forms must be submitted by 23.55 hours on 31 October 2020.
No Shift Allowance
This opportunity is closed to applications.