Special Constable (Volunteer Police Officer)

Contract: Voluntary
Hours: Minimum 16 hours per month
Location: Force-wide across North Yorkshire
Training Course Start Date: 2027 Intake

Be the Difference. Protect Your Community. Start Your Policing Journey.

Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to wear the uniform?

North Yorkshire Police is looking for dedicated, resilient and community-minded individuals to join our Special Constabulary. As a Special Constable, you'll be a warranted volunteer police officer, working alongside regular officers to protect communities, prevent crime and make a real difference where it matters most.

Whether you're looking for a new challenge, an opportunity to give back, or a route into policing, this is one of the most rewarding volunteering opportunities available.

Ask Yourself:

Do you want to make a genuine difference in your community?
Are you looking for an exciting and meaningful challenge?
Do you thrive in a team environment?
Can you stay calm under pressure and make sound decisions?
Do you want to develop skills that will benefit you for life?

If the answer is yes, we'd love to hear from you.

Why Become a Special Constable?

As a Special Constable, you'll:

✅ Wear the same uniform as regular police officers

✅ Hold the same powers (excluding Taser deployment)

✅ Patrol communities and support frontline policing

✅ Respond to incidents and help protect vulnerable people

✅ Develop leadership, communication and decision-making skills

✅ Gain valuable experience and confidence that can benefit both your personal and professional life

No two shifts are the same. One day you could be supporting a community event, the next assisting at a critical incident or helping someone in need.

You'll become part of a supportive team united by a shared commitment to keeping North Yorkshire safe.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking people from all walks of life who can bring their skills, experiences and perspectives to policing.

You don't need previous policing experience—but you do need:

Excellent communication skills
Integrity and professionalism
Resilience and emotional maturity
Strong teamwork skills
A commitment to public service
The ability to remain calm in challenging situations

Being a Special Constable isn't easy, but it is incredibly rewarding.

Training & Development

We'll invest in you from day one.

Successful candidates will begin training during our 2027 intakes, which includes:

Evening and weekend training sessions
A blend of online and face-to-face learning delivered with the Open University
A dedicated week of Officer Safety Training
Ongoing learning and development throughout your service

You'll receive the knowledge, skills and support needed to perform the role confidently and safely.

Please note: You’ll be expected to commit to at least 16 hours of volunteering per month. During training and probation, additional hours will be required. Ongoing training and development continue beyond initial onboarding.

Time Commitment

To maintain operational effectiveness, Special Constables are required to volunteer a minimum of 16 hours per month.

During your training and probationary period, additional time commitment will be required to support your development.

Recruitment Process

The recruitment process includes a national assessment known as the National Sift, designed to assess the values and behaviours required for policing.

Stage One: National Sift

Situational Judgement Test

Assesses how you would respond to realistic policing scenarios.

Behavioural Styles Questionnaire

Explores your natural working style and approach to situations.

Stage Two: Interview

Candidates who successfully complete the national sift will be invited to attend an interview with North Yorkshire Police.

Before You Apply

Please review the following documents:

Some professions may create a conflict of interest and prevent appointment as a Special Constable. Please refer to the employment guidance document before submitting your application.

Your Application

North Yorkshire Police is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or within your role, please declare this within your online application. A member of our team will contact you prior to your interview to ensure appropriate support is in place.

Safer Recruitment

North Yorkshire Police is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

All successful candidates will be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, which may include:

Police Vetting
DBS checks
References
Medical assessment
Fitness Test
Employment and absence history checks

Ready to Make a Difference?

This is more than volunteering.

It's an opportunity to challenge yourself, develop lifelong skills, support those who need help most and play a vital role in keeping North Yorkshire safe.

Ready to Apply?

As part of our selection process, we’ll assess your skills and experience against the requirements of the role. We therefore encourage you to take your time to tailor your application, ensuring your responses align with the job advert and role profile.

Further Information

Please check the online recruitment portal regularly for updates throughout the process. For general queries or additional details, read the Special Constable - Recruitment Pack or contact: talent&development@northyorkshire.police.uk

Special Constable (Volunteer Police Officer)

Closing Date: 30/08/2026 - 23:59

Interviews Anticipated: Mid to Late October.

Familiarisation Events

Interested in finding out more before applying?

We will be hosting a series of online Familiarisation Events throughout July and August, giving you the opportunity to learn more about the Special Constable role, training, and recruitment process, and to ask any questions you may have.

To attend, please register online https://northyorkshirepolice.engageats.co.uk/Vacancies/I/7717/0/471327/21992/special-constable-qanda-your-questions-answered. Once registered, you will receive a Microsoft Teams invitation link separately ahead of the event.

Event Details

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Wednesday 15 July 2026
Wednesday 29 July 2026
Wednesday 12 August 2026

Places are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Are you ready to help make North Yorkshire a safer place to live, work and visit? Apply today.

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