Special Constable 2026
Special Constable Advert
• Job title: Special Constable
• Salary: Unpaid voluntary role (16 hours per month – typically two 8-hour shifts)
• Location: Leeds, Wakefield, Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees
Are you ready for an exciting, rewarding, and life-changing challenge?
Why not do something different from your 9-to-5 job and join the Special Constabulary?
Our Special Constabulary is a vital part of policing, where dedicated volunteers help keep communities safe and make a real difference. We welcome individuals with established careers who are looking to bring their life experience to a challenging role; those seeking a new challenge and the opportunity to gain insight into policing; and those who want to do something different by giving back to their community while developing new skills.
Our team includes people from diverse backgrounds, some of whom have proudly served for over 38 years and are an integral part of our Force.
As a Special Constable, you will:
• Gain unique experiences and skills
• Work alongside regular officers in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Play a key role in protecting and reassuring the public
Role and Responsibilities:
Special Constables have the same powers as regular police officers, wear the same uniform and equipment, and perform the same role but on a voluntary basis. They undertake a wide range of duties and provide a vital link between the police and the diverse communities we serve, helping to meet policing needs and increase public confidence.
Key duties include:
• Conduct high-visibility patrols
• Make arrests and tackle anti-social behaviour
• Attend public events
• Respond to 999 calls and be the first person to attend the incident
• Carry out crime prevention, investigate a variety of crimes, take reports, interview witnesses, and make enquiries
• Work collaboratively with policing partners to prevent crime, reassure the public and protect vulnerable people
Expectations:
Members of the public expect West Yorkshire Police to recruit people who demonstrate the highest standards of professional conduct, honesty, and integrity. We are looking for individuals who can:
• Deliver a high-quality, professional service at all times
• Be quick-thinking problem solvers and strong team players
• Communicate effectively with the public and colleagues
• Show resilience under pressure
• Demonstrate our Force Values: integrity, fairness, and respect
• Uphold the Policing Code of Ethics: public service, courage, respect, and empathy
Essential Criteria:
• Be at least 18 years old (no upper age limit)
• Be a British citizen and have lived in the UK for at least three years (been a British citizen for at least three years)
• Pass the vetting process (applications from people with cautions or convictions are unlikely to be accepted)
• Have a good level of fitness and pass the physical fitness test
• Be in good health and pass a medical examination
• Pass a drugs test
Benefits:
• Full uniform provided
• Travelling expenses and free train journeys to and from duties
• Free union and legal cover
• Extensive and intensive training programme – 52 days over 19 weeks
• Ongoing development and training
• Tutoring and mentoring opportunities
• Leadership and management experience
• Scope to support the training and development of new Specials
• Opportunity to become a blue light driver and attend emergency calls
• Access discounts with a Blue Light card
For further information about the role, eligibility, and the application process, visit:
https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/jobs-volunteer/special-constables
How to Apply:
To apply, you will be required to complete an application form.
Access the application form here: Insert application form link here
To be accepted following completion of the application form, you must meet all of the essential criteria outlined above and be prepared to commit to an extensive and intensive training programme.
Is this the right volunteer role for you? Hear first-hand from the Special Constables who make a difference to protecting and serving their communities every day: Meet Our Specials | West Yorkshire Police
https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/jobs-volunteer/special-constables/meet-our-specials
Links:
Neighbourhood Policing | West Yorkshire Police
https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/about-us/our-departments/neighbourhood-policing/neighbourhood-policing
Gain an insight into police work by joining our Ride Along Scheme: Stop and Search Ride Along Scheme - Force Policy | West Yorkshire Police
Stop and Search Ride Along Scheme | West Yorkshire Police
https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/stop-and-search-ride-along-scheme