HP - Special Constable (Volunteer Police Officer) September 2026
New Year, New Role: Become a Special Constable. We’re looking for dedicated individuals to join our Special Constabulary in September 2026. This is a unique opportunity to volunteer your time in a meaningful and impactful way, supporting the safety and wellbeing of communities.
Specials Constables are volunteer police officers with the same powers, uniform and protective equipment as regular officers—including handcuffs and an Asp baton. You’ll receive comprehensive training of policing procedures, an understanding of the law preparing you to serve and protect the people of Humberside.
As a Special Constable, you’ll:
- Undertake a broad range of policing duties across Humberside
- Foster positive relationships with diverse communities
- Support the delivery of policing services and enhance public confidence
Why join us?
- Flexible Volunteering: Commit to a minimum of 16 hours per month, with shifts that fit around your personal and professional life.
- Professional Development: Gain valuable skills, confidence, and experience that can enhance your career and personal growth.
- Community Impact: Play a vital role in building trust between the police and the public, helping to improve safety and confidence across Humberside.
- Inclusive Culture: Be part of a diverse and supportive policing family that values your contribution and fosters a strong team spirit.
Within Humberside, we have a strong family spirit between our Staff, Police Officers and Special Constabulary, this is paramount in order to deliver a great service to the public we serve. We value the contribution of all of our Special Constables and the difference that they make both to the communities and Humberside Police.
Our Special Constabulary is made up of people from all walks of life – including those who’ve served with us for many years and those joining for the first time. What they all share is a commitment to making a positive impact.
As a Special Constable, you’ll receive full training and then head out on patrol, supporting frontline policing. It’s a chance to step away from your usual routine and experience something truly rewarding – every shift brings new challenges, excitement, and the chance to help others.
Whether you're looking to develop new skills, explore a future in policing, or simply want to give back, this is your opportunity to be part of something bigger.
Please Note: Training Schedule
You are required to attend training sessions which will take place during weekday evenings on a Tuesday and Wednesday (over Microsoft teams) and in-person weekend sessions on a Saturday and Sunday. These training sessions must be attended in order to qualify to become a Special Constable. This means giving up your free time and committing to a training schedule of around 3 to 4 months.
How to apply:
Please read the documents attached to this advert in order to understand what is required of you before you apply.
To apply for the role, please click the "Apply" button below.
Application Form & Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility Criteria
- Be 17 years of age or over to apply and 18 years of age by the time of appointment. There is no upper age limit for applying for Humberside Police.
- Maintain a good level of physical fitness to pass the fitness test and also be able to pass the medical examination.
- Comply with our tattoo policy. Please submit clear close-up photos of all tattoos along with descriptions and meanings.
- Applicants must have resided in the UK for three continuous years immediately prior to application. Any period of travel needs to be less than one year.
- You must hold unrestricted Right to Work in the UK to apply. Please submit this alongside your application.
- Meet vetting requirements - You will be subject to a conviction check at eligibility before a full vetting check at pre-employment. We encourage you to read the following for further vetting information before applying: Join The Police – Vetting
- Precluded Occupations – There may be some restrictions to becoming a Special Constable, such as some occupations (such as Security Officers, Traffic Wardens, etc, please see the full list of occupations attached)
Online eligibility workshop: Wednesday 4th February 2026 at 19:00PM.
We will be hosting an online eligibility workshop on the above date where you will be able to learn about the recruitment and application process, the role and the training. This workshop will also be a chance for you to meet the recruitment team and ask us questions.
To sign up please follow the below link:
Recruitment Process and expected timeline:
Application closing date: Sunday 22nd February 2026 at 23:55
College of Policing Pre-Sift: March 2026
Applicants successful in being shortlisted will subsequently be invited to attend a national online sift with the College of Policing. Further details regarding the National Sift
- You will be invited to complete the College of Policing National Pre-Sift in March 2026. This is an online multiple choice situational judgement test and behavioural style questionnaire.
- More information on the CoP National Sift can be found here: https://assets.college.police.uk/s3fs-public/2025-02/National-sift-candidate-guidance.pdf
Interview: March – April 2026
- Following the Sift, you will be invited to attend an in-force interview between March an April 2026.
Pre-employment checks
Once you pass the National Sift and Interview stage you will be progressed to the final pre-employment checks
- Vetting – This means having no criminal convictions (some minor offences may be considered on a case by case basis)
- Occupational Health Medical – Assessments with our in force Occupational Health Team
- References, including absences – Employment and/or character
- Biometric Testing – Finger Prints and DNA
- Substance Misuse
- Review of Tattoo’s – Your tattoos will be reviewed as a part of pre employment checks to ensure they do not cause any offence or have any conflicting meanings (If Applicable)
- Fitness Test – Must meet the police officer standard of 5.4 bleep test.
Offer Stage
You will be provided with the September 2026 training schedule for the Special Constabulary. Intakes are planned for September 2026.
Humberside Police welcome applications from underrepresented communities. For further information on positive action within Humberside Police, please visit the positive action page:
http://www.humberside.police.uk/diversity-and-positive-action