Special constables are volunteer police officers. They have the same powers as a regular officer. Taking part in frontline work, the role can be what you make of it from ensuring public safety to preventing, tackling and investigating incidents, all while building positive relationships in the area you work in.
The list of where our specials come from is endless! From a pilot, doctors, students, stay at home parents, bank workers and even other West Midlands Police staff. There are many ways to make a special constable role work with your lifestyle.
To become a special constable you need to be prepared to commit to training hard in your own time during evening and weekends. Specials are asked to complete enough shifts to support them in being operationally competent, for most specials this can be achieved by volunteering for two shifts a month. While some our specials do may more hours, the role is very flexible to allow you to fit your duties around your work and home life commitments.
In return for your dedication we offer full training and support to make sure you are prepared and fully equipped for your role. This includes providing you with your uniform, and you will be entitled to be reimbursed for any reasonable expenses incurred in the course of your duties.
As a special constable you have a fantastic and unique opportunity to contribute to the safety of the West Midlands, and many of our current specials are driven by wanting to give back to their community and the feeling that they’re making a difference.
Each shift you do will always vary, but you could be:
- responding to 999 calls
- conducting foot and vehicle patrols
- priority anti-crime initiatives
- working in schools to provide advice on safety and crime
- conducting road safety initiatives
- doing house-to-house enquiries
- helping ensure safety and security at public events
- presenting evidence in court
- offering crime prevention advice and promoting property marking initiatives
Interested?