Transfer to British Transport Police as a Special Constable – Make a Bigger Impact

Are you ready to take your volunteering to the next level? Join British Transport Police (BTP) as a Transferee Special Constable and use your experience where it matters most. Help keep millions of passengers and critical infrastructure safe every day.

Special Chief Officer Nathan Turner says:

“Our Specials are an essential part of the BTP family. With their unique perspectives and frontline experience, they strengthen our ability to police one of the most dynamic and complex networks in the UK. If you’re ready to bring your skills to a national team that values you, come and be part of our journey.”

Why Transfer to BTP?

Policing with Purpose: Protect a national rail network that supports over 3 million journeys and the movement of essential goods every day.

Specialist Opportunities: Work with teams tackling county lines, safeguarding vulnerable people, managing public order, and supporting counterterrorism operations in high-demand, fast-paced environments.

National Reach, Local Impact: Contribute to operations across the UK while maintaining a local connection to your chosen posting area.

Structured Support and Development: Expand your skillset with leadership development, specialist attachments, and ongoing training supported by a command team that values volunteers.

Team Ethos: Join a force where Specials are respected, supported, and empowered to make decisions and lead confidently.

What We’re Looking For

We are inviting currently serving Special Constables, or those who have served within the last 12 months, to transfer into one of our many BTP locations across the UK. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

Achieved Independent Patrol Status (England and Wales only)

Received First Aid Training

Free from any convictions, cautions, reprimands, or penalty notices (excluding standard driving offences), regardless of current service status

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

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

Locations

We are recruiting across B Division (South and East) and C Division (Midlands, North, and Scotland) including:

London and South East: Euston, Paddington, London Bridge, Victoria, Gatwick, Ashford, Croydon, and more

South and East of England: Southampton, Norwich, Brighton, Colchester, Cambridge, Luton, Southend

Midlands and North: Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Birmingham, Sheffield, Newcastle, York, and more

*A full list of locations is available in the recruitment pack.*

What You’ll Get

A highly rewarding role that offers variety, purpose, and challenge

Opportunities to work across jurisdictions and engage in complex policing tasks

All training, uniform, and travel expenses covered

Development pathways to support career progression whether you stay as a Special or transition to a Regular role

Eligibility

You must currently be serving, or have served within the last 12 months, as a Special Constable in a Home Office police force. You must also meet the following criteria:

Independent Patrol Status

First Aid trained

No live investigations or disciplinary findings

No vetting restrictions

Consistent UK residency for the past three years

Permanent right to live and work in the UK

*Please refer to the recruitment pack for prohibited occupations and vetting eligibility.*

Apply Now

Applications are completed online. You will be able to select your preferred location and provide evidence of your current Special Constable status.

We strongly encourage you to attend a Q&A session with our Recruitment Team before applying.

We are committed to building a workforce where everyone feels they belong.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences. Diversity strengthens our teams, improves our services and helps us better represent and support the communities we serve. We are proud to be an inclusive employer and strive to create a workplace that is fair, respectful and accessible to all. We actively work to challenge discrimination, remove barriers and ensure equity throughout our recruitment and employment practices. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment or selection process, please let us know - we are happy to support you. Your talent, your potential, and your unique perspective matter here.

AI can be a useful tool to spark ideas or help you organise your thoughts, but when it comes to your application, we want to hear from you, not an algorithm. What truly stands out to us are genuine stories, personal insights and the experiences that have shaped who you are. Authenticity matters - it helps us understand your motivations, your strengths and how you’ll contribute to our team. So, use AI if it helps you get started, but let your own voice lead the way.

Join a force where your experience is valued. Your role is meaningful, and your commitment makes a real difference.

Questions?

Email us at btpspecials@btp.police.uk. All enquiries are treated in confidence.

We are committed to protecting the public, earning trust, and supporting our communities. Join the British Transport Police and help shape the future of policing on the railways.

Apply

Transferee Special Constables