Special Constable December 2022
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?
We are 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 us 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.
Special constables are attached to the five districts working with both Response and Neighbourhood Policing teams. Their work in the community involves carrying out high visibility patrols, making arrests and dealing with anti-social behaviour. They attend public events such as galas and concerts, support regular officers with call handling, and assist with other matters such as crime prevention, taking crime reports, witness interviews, enquiries, youth diversion and transport. Special constables play a very real part in reassuring the public.
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.
Initial training will take place at Carr Gate Police Training Centre and is delivered on alternate weekends, over a period of 35 weeks. On successfully completing the initial training you will be attested as a special constable and continue with your development and training whilst aligned to one of the five districts.
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. Further information about the role, eligibility and the application process are available at West Yorkshire Police. To apply, you will be required to complete an application form. If you meet the initial eligibility criteria, you will be invited to take part in an online assessment process. Following success at this stage you will be invited to attend an interview.
We would especially welcome applicants who already have fulfilling careers and 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 honour's degree. To be eligible to apply for this route a level 3 qualification (or equivalent), plus GCSE Maths and English Language at Level 2/GCSE (A*-C / 9-4) 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 80 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 level 6 honours degree or above.
Whilst joining West Yorkshire Police as a special constable will not guarantee you entry to the force as a regular police officer in the future, it will give you invaluable experience of the role, which could support you through the process.
We value different perspectives, skills and experiences. We are creating an inclusive working culture where people from all backgrounds can succeed. That is why we welcome applications from all our diverse communities.
Please access the link below for further information about the Special Constabulary and application guidance.
https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/jobs-volunteer/special-constables/becoming-special-constable/becoming-special-constable
The application process will close at 23:55 hours on the 30th April 2023. Training courses for 2023 are currently scheduled to start in June and September.
Are you ready for a new volunteering challenge?
Would you like to contribute towards something of real value?
We are 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 us 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.
Special constables are attached to the five districts working with both Response and Neighbourhood Policing teams. Their work in the community involves carrying out high visibility patrols, making arrests and dealing with anti-social behaviour. They attend public events such as galas and concerts, support regular officers with call handling, and assist with other matters such as crime prevention, taking crime reports, witness interviews, enquiries, youth diversion and transport. Special constables play a very real part in reassuring the public.
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.
Initial training will take place at Carr Gate Police Training Centre and is delivered on alternate weekends, over a period of 35 weeks. On successfully completing the initial training you will be attested as a special constable and continue with your development and training whilst aligned to one of the five districts.
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. Further information about the role, eligibility and the application process are available at West Yorkshire Police. To apply, you will be required to complete an application form. If you meet the initial eligibility criteria, you will be invited to take part in an online assessment process. Following success at this stage you will be invited to attend an interview.
We would especially welcome applicants who already have fulfilling careers and 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 honour's degree. To be eligible to apply for this route a level 3 qualification (or equivalent), plus GCSE Maths and English Language at Level 2/GCSE (A*-C / 9-4) 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 80 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 level 6 honours degree or above.
Whilst joining West Yorkshire Police as a special constable will not guarantee you entry to the force as a regular police officer in the future, it will give you invaluable experience of the role, which could support you through the process.
We value different perspectives, skills and experiences. We are creating an inclusive working culture where people from all backgrounds can succeed. That is why we welcome applications from all our diverse communities.
Please access the link below for further information about the Special Constabulary and application guidance.
https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/jobs-volunteer/special-constables/becoming-special-constable/becoming-special-constable
The application process will close at 23:55 hours on the 30th April 2023. Training courses for 2023 are currently scheduled to start in June and September.
West Yorkshire Police is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all minority groups and individuals who identify with one or more of the protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010.
Applicants should be aware that it is not always possible to carry out adequate vetting checks on persons who have not been resident within the UK for the last three years. Therefore, where this applies, applicants may be refused because it was not possible to vet them to the appropriate standard.
For a detailed description of the Competency and Values levels required please refer to the http://www.college.police.uk/What-we-do/Development/competency-and-values-framework/Documents/Competency-and-Values-Framework-for-Policing_4.11.16.pdf (This link may be copied and pasted into your browser). This document will assist you in completing the Evidence of Achievement section of the application form. Please note: the Evidence of Achievement section will not be visible until the employment section has been completed.
No Shift Allowance
This opportunity is closed to applications.