Special Constable
Salary: Volunteer (expenses paid)
Our Special Constables are a huge part of the West Midlands Police family, and play a vital role in keeping our local communities safe and providing the best service to the public.
They have the same police powers and equipment as regular Police Officers and wear the same uniform, but offer their free time on a voluntary basis.
It is an exciting and rewarding role, with endless opportunities to volunteer across various teams from working on Response responding to emergency calls, patrolling with neighbourhood teams, working with traffic or policing major events.
Once fully trained you will also have the opportunity to complete attachments to many different departments to develop your knowledge and skills across all areas of policing, as well as work towards promotion opportunities and progress through the rank structure.
We know times can be hard with the current cost of living crisis; volunteering with us can enable you to learn new skills for free! We also offer an excellent benefits platform where you can save money on high street shopping, electronics, holidays and much more!
Volunteering does not affect any benefits you may currently be claiming; You can volunteer for as many hours as you like, as long you continue to meet the conditions of the benefit you get. Please contact your Job Centre to check and inform them of your volunteering.
Take a look at a few of our Special Constable's who are currently using their skills gained within their full time employment, to help them give back to the community they love through their voluntary role with us:
What will you receive from us?
A comprehensive training plan to develop your skills and knowledge of policing
Expenses paid for travel to and from your allocated Police Station
Opportunities for development and promotion
Ability to be involved in major policing events
Attachments to exciting teams including Homicide, Roads Policing, Forensics, Birmingham Airport and many more
What do we need from you?
Dedication to complete the training period of 10-15 weeks - this will be mainly weekends with a mixture of face to face and online learning.
A passion for policing and helping local communities and the public.
You could start training as early as June 2024, with courses running throughout the year.
We can suggest that most Specials are asked to complete enough shifts to support them in being operationally competent, for most Specials this can be achieved by volunteering 2 shifts a month.
Are you interested? Take a look at the below eligibility requirements and start your application today!
The people of the West Midlands deserve an excellent service so we are looking for the best people to join us and demonstrate our values. In order to be eligible to apply you must meet the below requirements:
- Be aged 17 years or over (you will not be able to start in the role until you are 18)
- Residency and Nationality:
- Candidates are required to be UK resident for the last three years. You must be a British, Irish or EEA National, alternatively you must have no restrictions on your right to live and work in the UK.
- Occupation:
- There are many occupations which could preclude you from joining the Special Constabulary due to conflicts of interest. Some of these roles include Security Guards, Armed Forces Personnel, Traffic Officers, Bailiffs and Immigration Officers to name a few. The Recruitment Team will contact you regarding your Occupation if required after receiving your application
- Medical/Fitness:
- When applying for the role candidates must be able/ready to run the bleep test to a level of 5.4
Successful applicants will be required to pass Recruitment Vetting and Counter Terrorism Clearance scrutiny prior to commencing their role, this will include a full background & financial disclosure as part of the vetting process.
Appointment to this role will be dependent upon successfully medical checks, which may include a drugs test and if required a fitness test.
West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader - the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. As part of our commitment we operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview.
Diversity and Inclusion Vision: Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities.
Prospective officers and staff must be held to a higher standard of behaviour and accountability than members of the public, and that therefore their right to privacy can be fettered in certain circumstances. This is to ensure that members of the police are fully aware and accountable for the unique powers entrusted to them and the standards of professional behaviour they swear to uphold.