Special Constable
Police Scotland is the second largest force in the UK with a workforce of 23,000 officers and staff working together for the people of Scotland covering a third of the United Kingdom’s landmass with a unique range of urban, rural, island and remote communities.
Policing such a large and diverse territory takes people from all sorts of different backgrounds with a variety of skills and experience.
As a special constable, you'll work alongside our police officers in your spare time – forging strong partnerships in the community, patrolling our streets, preventing crime and by keeping your local community safe you can make a real difference.
You can work full time and be a Special Constable in just 96 hours per year or a few hours a week. The role is diverse, demanding, and rewarding.
The Special Constabulary is an effective means in which local communities can be represented within the police service. Our Special Constables are trained to the same standard as our regular officers meaning you can add real value by supporting the regular police service.
Special Constables come from every walk of life in this role who you are is so much more important than where you are from or what your qualifications are. What is really important is that you bring commitment, enthusiasm, common sense, confidence and great interpersonal skills.
You must be aged 18 years or over (you can apply at 17 ½ years of age but will not be appointed until you are 18) and be both physically and mentally able to undertake police duties. For full eligibility criteria click here.
Further details can be found on the attached role profile document.
You should have been resident in the UK for a minimum of three years immediately prior to application for this role.
Why work for Police Scotland?
Police Scotland is responsible for policing a large diverse, multi-cultural population.
If you are looking for a fresh challenge which offers a genuine opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives, variety and the chance to broaden your experience, then Police Scotland is for you.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Police Scotland is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion
We are working hard to increase diversity and inclusion, where communities are under-represented, including those from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities, people of all ages, abilities, faiths, religions and gender, LGBT communities and those from other disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds, who share our values and wish to make a difference to the communities we serve.
All applications will be treated on merit, based on the evidence provided in your application and suitability for the role you have applied for.
Police Scotland are committed to promoting a diverse workforce and to achieving and promoting an organisational culture where our special constables are treated with dignity, fairness and respect.
We are committed to being an inclusive and supportive employer and as part of that commitment are an advocate for gender equality having pledged support for HeForShe
HeForShe is a global solidarity movement for gender equality initiated by the United Nations with the aim of encouraging men and boys to speak out for gender equality recognising that gender equality is not just a women`s issue but a basic human right that benefits everyone.
Training
Training will be delivered as a combination of modules at the Police Scotland Training and Recruitment Centres, the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan, and as online tutorials.
The Scottish Police College is a unique and highly disciplined environment - somewhere that will test you academically and physically. You will be representing Police Scotland and are expected to conduct yourself at all times in a professional and positive manner.
Vetting
We are committed to safeguarding and operate safer recruitment processes, to ensure a police service that employees are proud to work for because they feel safe, valued and part of a happy and supportive work environment. All employees and volunteers therefore will be subject to background checks including vetting and references.
Further information
There is a lot of information you should be aware of when considering a role as a Special Constable.
Please visit the Special Constable pages of the website for more information
You should also read the Code of ethics for Policing in Scotland