Transferee Special Constables

Start your journey with British Transport Police (BTP)

Special Chief Officer Nathan Turner said "Being a Special Constable isn’t just a role - it’s a chance to make a real difference in an ever-changing world of policing. Every Special brings their own unique experiences and perspectives, and that’s what makes our team stronger. Together, we’re working towards our vision of being a world-leading police force that’s trusted to keep the railway safe and reliable for everyone.

At BTP, we truly value the time and dedication of our volunteer Police Officers. That’s why we offer plenty in return - whether it’s professional training, the chance to join specialist teams, or opportunities to grow your leadership skills. We want your journey with us to be fulfilling, meaningful, and even a little adventurous.

This is a role with purpose - one that takes you across the UK, empowers you to use your unique skills, and lets you contribute in ways that matter. Whether you’re on the front line or behind the scenes, your impact will be felt.

If you’re ready to bring your talents, passion, and commitment to a team that values what you have to offer, join BTP’s Special Constabulary and start your journey with us. Let’s make a difference together."

The British Transport Police is searching for passionate individuals to join us as Special Constables. If you're eager to make a real impact in your community, particularly within the railway environment, then this opportunity might be exactly what you've been looking for.

As a volunteer police officer, you'll have the same authority as our full-time counterparts, playing a crucial role in upholding the safety and security of the public during their travels. Given the essential role of the UK's railways in facilitating millions of journeys and transporting vital goods daily, your contribution will be vital in ensuring a safe and efficient transportation network and improving public confidence.

Teaming up with our experienced officers, you'll confront a diverse range of challenges, from combating criminal activity to offering support to vulnerable individuals and communities. Your duties will include patrolling stations and trains, responding swiftly to incidents by car, and providing a reassuring presence to both passengers and staff.

To become part of our policing family, you'll need to demonstrate outstanding resilience, commitment, and a readiness to devote at least 16 hours per month to your responsibilities. If you're new to the role of Special Constable, don't worry – we'll offer comprehensive training and support to ensure you're fully prepared for the challenges ahead. Regardless of your background, you are a valued member of our policing family, with all expenses covered and ample opportunities for personal and professional development.

What skills do you need to apply?

As one of our Special Constables, you’ll need to love variety and to not shy away from what can sometimes be difficult situations.

You will need to be a natural communicator who is able to build instant rapport with people from all walks of life.

As a Special Constable, you’ll need to be diplomatic in your approach and able to remain calm under pressure.

In return for your hard work, you will:

As a volunteer police officer, make a difference in society, helping reduce and resolve crime, keep people safe including the vulnerable.

As a volunteer, give back to the community.

Have a rewarding role where no two days are ever the same.

Have the same powers and uniform as full-time officers!

Boost your CV.

Travel Benefits (dependent on location)

Learn new skills including understanding law and police procedure, communication skills, IT skills, first aid, self-defence, and railway track safety skills.

Increased self-confidence

Have the opportunity of internal progression to become a regular Police Officer.

To apply you must meet the following criteria:

Achieved Independent Patrol Status (England and Wales only)

Received First Aid Training

Free from any convictions/cautions/reprimands and penalty notices (other than driving penalty notices) even if you are serving as a Special Constable now with another force.

Thoroughly grounded in the operational aspects of police work

Free from any ongoing investigation in your current force

Have completed your minimum required annual hours and live in or near the BTP policing area you wish to transfer to.

Be currently serving as a Special or have been within the last 12 months

We are looking for Special Constables in the following areas:

We are recruiting for new Special Constables to join our talent pool at the following locations throughout the country. Joining the UK’s only national police force as a volunteer, you’ll take on a crucial frontline role in one of the most challenging environments there is.

B Division: Ashford, Blackheath, Bournemouth, Brighton, Cambridge, Camden, Colchester, Croydon, Euston, Finsbury Park, Gatwick, Guildford, Hammersmith, London Bridge, Liverpool Street, Luton, Maidstone, Norwich, Paddington, Richmond, Southampton, Southend, Stockwell, Stratford, Victoria, Wembley Park and West Ham.

C Division: Coventry, Crewe, Darlington, Derby, Doncaster, Exeter, Lancaster, Leeds, Leicester, Lincoln, Liverpool, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Plymouth, Preston, Rugby, Sheffield, Shrewsbury, Swansea, Swindon, Truro, Wolverhampton and York.

Are you eligible?

You will be ineligible to apply if:

You have been unsuccessful in the last 6 months for the role of Special Constable with BTP.

You have been unsuccessful following BTP vetting checks within the last 12 months.

You have ever received a custodial sentence (other cautions, convictions and involvement with the police must be declared but are not necessarily a bar to employment).

You have previously been dismissed from another force.

You have been declared bankrupt, have a CCJ or an un-managed IVA.

You have tattoos that are deemed offensive; tattoos on face and neck will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

You do not have permanent right to live and work in the UK.

**This opportunity is for existing Special Constable ONLY - Please do not apply if you are not currently serving as a Special Constable with another force**

Benefits from Positive Action?

At BTP, diversity is integral to our mission as guardians of the railway. We value inclusion and believe it enhances decision-making, fosters creativity, and drives innovation. Our vacancies are open to everyone, and appointments are solely based on merit. To promote diversity, we encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, women, people with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, and LGBTQI+ persons. We offer targeted workshops and advice sessions to support potential candidates from these backgrounds. If you share our values and have the skills and experience, we welcome you to apply and join our diverse team. For more information on Positive Action please click here or email the team at PART-Recruitment@btp.police.uk

Prohibited Occupations:

Please download and check the document below before applying. If you do sit under any of the prohibited Occupations that BTP do not allow, then you will not be eligible to apply and will be sifted out at shortlisting stage.

Want to apply?

Apply Now! The closing date for applications is midnight on 7th April 2025. For further information on eligibility criteria and application process, please refer to the attached recruitment pack.

It is also advisable to apply after attending either a Q&A with the Recruitment Team session or an information session run by the Positive Action Team.

This is an ongoing opportunity, so while immediate placement may not be guaranteed, successful applicants will be considered for up to 12 months from when you receive a conditional offer of employment.

Any questions?

If you want to ask us any awkward or ‘obvious’ questions, if you are unsure whether your personal circumstances are suitable for a career as a Special Constable but don’t know how to talk to us about it or have any questions about the application process, please email our friendly and helpful team where we will be happy to help: RecruitmentTeam@btp.police.uk. If your question is related to equality or diversity then you can also contact our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team directly at: PART-Recruitment@btp.police.uk. To reassure you, anything you ask us will be in the strictest confidence and will not form part of your application.

We are committed to protecting the public and supporting the community. Join the British Transport Police today.

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