Special Constable
Special Constable recruitment is now open!
We are now taking applications
The Special Constabulary is a voluntary body, whose officers form a vital part of the police family, working alongside their regular colleagues to police the communities of Cumbria. Specials perform a variety of police duties to support regular officers with the day-to-day policing of Cumbria.
People become a Special Constable for a variety of reasons. Some people have free time and have a desire to give something back to their community, some people are very happy in their present job but want something totally different in their spare time, some people may have wanted to work in the police but for different reasons they have gone down a different career path. Specials have the same powers as regular officers, wear the same uniform and carry the same equipment as regular officers.
In all these circumstances the Special Constabulary gives you the opportunity to have a second career. This is a great opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and gain experience in a wide range of policing duties.
Before proceeding with your application, please check that you meet the following criteria to ensure that you are eligible to apply to become a special constable. You should:
Be at least 17 years of age (and must be 18 years of age before appointment as a special constable).
Be a British citizen, a citizen of a country that is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, or a Commonwealth citizen or foreign national who is resident in the UK with indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK or has EU settled status.
Have been resident in the UK for the past three years (if this is not the case for you, please contact the force vetting manager in the force to which you’re applying to ascertain if it is possible for the residency criteria to be waived).
Not have tattoos on your hands, neck, forearms or face that could be offensive.
Not be registered bankrupt (or have bankruptcy debts that have been discharged within the past three years). If you have any other outstanding and unmanageable debts, please contact the force you wish to apply to for guidance.
Be able to pass a job-related fitness test (such as a bleep test or treadmill test lasting approximately five minutes).
Be able to pass a medical screening and meet the minimum eyesight standards.
Not be a current or previous member of a proscribed terrorist organisation or group.
Some forces require you to hold a driving licence. Contact the force you wish to apply to for guidance.
You are required to be able to attend the following compulsory training dates:
Saturday 23rd September 2023 - Uniform fitting
Welcome day 6th October 2023
Weekend 1 - Fri 13th to Sunday 15th October 2023
Weekend 2 - Sat 28th to Sun 29th October 2023
Weekend 3 - Sat 18th to Sun 19th November 2023
Weekend 4 - First Aid Training - Sat 16th to Sunday 17th December 2023.
Personal Safety Training week 5 - Monday 18th December to Friday 22nd December 2023
Weekend 6 - Sat 6th Jan to Sun 7th Jan 2024
Weekend 7 - Sat 27th Jan to Sun 28th Jan 2024
Weekend 8 - Sat 10th Feb to Sun 11th Feb 2024
Weekend 9 - Fri 23rd Feb to Sun 25th Feb 2024
If you are uncertain as to your eligibility or have any questions, please contact recruitmentsupport@cumbria.police.uk