Nottinghamshire Police

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Specials: Frequently asked questions

Does my job prevent me from applying?

If you do any of the following jobs you cannot apply for the role of Special Constable as it may cause a conflict of interest:

• Member of Police Authority
• Magistrate
• Clerk to justice
• Clerk to Courts
• Member of employer's Police Forces
• Holder of liquor licences, manager of licensed houses and their husband or wife
• Licensee of betting and gaming establishments and lottery promoter
• Bailiff and warrant officer
• Probation officer
• Member of private security organisations (whether director, partner or employee)
• Security personnel, security guard, door staff, uniformed patrol worker
• Prison custody officer
• Private detective and enquiry agent
• School crossing patrol and traffic warden
• Member of the Fire Services
• Member of the Armed Forces (If you are a member of the reserve forces you can join the Special Constabulary and the same works in the opposite direction)
• Member of medical, nursing and midwifery professions, and Ambulance Service (unless written permission is given by their employing NHS Trust or Health Authority)
• Highways Agency traffic officer 

Do I have to be a British citizen to apply?

No, but you must have lived in the UK for a minimum of three years and have permission to reside and work in the UK.

Do I have the same authority as a regular police officer?

Special Constables have the same powers of arrest as a Regular  Police Officer. You also wear the same uniform which is provided for you.

Can I choose where to work?

It depends on the capacity of the Neighbourhood Policing Team you have requested. 

What does the selection process involve?

The recruitment process takes around 12 weeks and involves:

• Competency Based Questions
• Situational Judgement Test
• Written test
• Interview
• Security vetting on yourself, your immediate family, partner’s family and any other adults who may live at your address.
• Employment and educational references for previous 5 years
• Fitness Test
• Medical
• References

Should a candidate fail the competency based questions, situational judgement test, written test or interview their application will be deferred for six months.

How many hours will I have to work?

We ask that you volunteer 4.hours per week or more if you can.

Can I claim expenses?

Yes. Travel expenses that are incurred during your duties as a Special Constable are paid at a rate of 38p per mile or by retaining your public transport tickets as proof.

What does the initial training involve?

The training takes place over 22 days on either a Saturday or Sunday followed by duty time with a trained tutor at the police station where you will be stationed. The classroom training takes place between 9am and 5pm at the Force’s Hucknall and Watnall training centres. 

Training is quite intensive and some of the things you will be taught are powers of arrest, first aid, personal safety, equipment, training and law.   

Following the classroom training, you will be mentored by a trained tutor, usually a regular police officer, at the police station. 

Can I get promoted?

Nottinghamshire Special Constabulary has a rank structure and, through promotion, you can become a Special Sergeant, Special Inspector, Special Superintendent, Special Deputy Chief Officer or Special Chief Officer. Each rank progression brings extra responsibility as with the regular service.

Would I receive continuous professional training?

Yes, once you have completed your initial training course and are on division performing your duties, training will be delivered at divisional level to ensure you are always up to date with current laws, legislation and procedural matters.

During your first year you will also be working towards Independent Patrol Status, with the help of a mentor.

Does being a Special Constable help me become a Police Officer?

Being a Special Constable will enable you to experience all aspects of police work and gain a wealth of professional knowledge.

There are promotion prospects within the Specials through our own rank structure. However time served as a Special officer will not guarantee a position as a regular police officer.