Step Forward. Make a Difference. Become a Special Constable with British Transport Police.
"Being a Special Constable is more than volunteering your time. It's about making a real difference in people's lives, protecting communities and helping keep Scotland's railway safe."
At British Transport Police (BTP), our Special Constables are valued members of the policing family. They volunteer alongside regular officers, bringing their own skills, experiences and perspectives to the role while helping to keep millions of passengers, railway staff and members of the public safe every year.
Whether you're looking for a new challenge, want to give back to your community, or are considering a future career in policing, becoming a Special Constable can be one of the most rewarding experiences you'll ever have.
Why Become a Special Constable?
As a Special Constable, you'll hold the same powers as a regular police officer and play an important role in keeping Scotland's railway network safe.
You'll work alongside experienced officers to:
No two shifts are the same. From engaging with local communities to responding to incidents on the rail network, you'll gain unique experiences while making a genuine difference.
Where We're Recruiting
We are currently recruiting Special Constables for:
What We're Looking For
We're looking for committed individuals who can volunteer a minimum of 16 hours per month and who share our values of integrity, fairness and respect.
You don't need previous policing experience. We'll provide full training and ongoing support throughout your journey.
Successful applicants will be:
What You'll Gain
Being a Special Constable offers far more than volunteering.
You'll benefit from:
Many Special Constables also use their experience to support future careers in policing and other public service professions.
Eligibility Checklist
You cannot apply if:
Please also review our Prohibited Occupations List before applying.
How to Apply
Applications are completed online and include a Situational and Ethics Judgement Test, as well as a marked Application Question.
We strongly encourage prospective applicants to attend one of our recruitment information sessions before submitting an application. These sessions provide an opportunity to learn more about the role, recruitment process and training commitment.
Successful applicants may remain under consideration for up to 12 months following a conditional offer.
Training Commitment and Intake Dates
Successful applicants will be expected to attend an initial training programme delivered through a combination of weekday and weekend sessions. Attendance is mandatory, so please ensure you can commit to the dates below before submitting your application.
2027 Initial Training Course
Please note: Candidates who receive a conditional offer will be expected to attend all training dates. If you have any pre-booked commitments that may affect your attendance, we encourage you to consider this before applying.
A Place Where Everyone Belongs
At British Transport Police, we're committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences. Diversity strengthens our teams, improves our service and helps us better understand the communities we protect.
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. We're committed to providing support throughout every stage of the application journey.
Your talent, potential and unique perspective matter.
Be Yourself
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be useful for organising ideas and preparing applications. However, we want to hear about your experiences, motivations and achievements in your own words.
Authentic applications help us understand who you are and what you could bring to British Transport Police.
Got a Question?
Email us at RecruitmentTeam@btp.police.uk or should you have any questions for our Special Constabulary, please email BTPSpecials@btp.police.uk.
Every shift is an opportunity to make a difference. Join British Transport Police as a Special Constable and help keep Britain's railway network safe.
