Vacancy Information
In spite of the challenging times we find ourselves in, our Special Constables (volunteer police officers) have continued to dedicate their time to helping us keep our communities safe. During lockdown (March - July), our Specials have volunteered over 14,500 hours which reflects their ongoing commitment to the public of Surrey and to helping us ensure that Surrey is a county that is safe and feels safe.
Over the forthcoming months, we want to grow our Special Constabulary to provide even more volunteer support to frontline policing. So if you are looking for a unique and rewarding volunteer role and would like to join us within the next 6-12 months, then this is the perfect opportunity for you!
The Role
Our Special Constables are volunteer police officers from all walks of life who dedicate their valuable spare time to policing their local communities in Surrey.
The hours you volunteer will make a real difference to our local communities as you will help us to reduce crime - and the fear of crime - across the county, whilst gaining unique experiences that you are unlikely to encounter elsewhere.
Key Responsibilities
Based across each of the 11 boroughs in Surrey, our Special Constables wear the same uniform and carry the same powers and responsibilities as our regular police officers.
To become a Special Constable you will be expected to attend an initial training course twice a week for up to 12 weeks. This course is intensive and incorporates many different aspects of policing and conflict resolution, but once complete you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills you need to begin your journey with us.
You will then be expected to dedicate a minimum of 16 hours per month to your special constable duties, volunteering alongside our regular police officers carrying out a range of policing activities. This minimum commitment will enable you to maintain your operational competence and as you become more experienced in the role, there may be opportunities to specialise within our UAV (drone) team, our roads policing units or public order units.
Due to the level of commitment required, you should consider this a long-term volunteer role which will continue to offer new experiences and opportunities.
Skills & Experience
We are looking for individuals who have the drive, determination and willingness to learn to become a Special Constable.
You will need to have good communication skills and be able to think laterally to solve problems, often under pressure. You will encounter a wide range of challenging situations, and must be able to deal with conflict and interact with victims and members of the public calmly and confidently.
To become a Special Constable you will need to demonstrate that your values are aligned to our Police Code of Ethics and further information about this can be found here:
https://www.college.police.uk/What-we-do/Ethics/Ethics-home/Pages/Code-of-Ethics.aspx
Please note that due to the nature of the work of the Special Constabulary there are a number of occupations that are incompatible with the Office of Constable and persons holding these occupations cannot have their applications considered. These include the following:
Justices of the Peace; clerks to the courts; licensees; certified bailiffs/court warrant officers; members of private security organisations including security guards and door supervisors; private detectives and enquiry agents; serving members of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces (although military reservists may be appointed subject to certain conditions); traffic wardens; prison officers; police community support officers; members of the Crown Prosecution Service.
Contact Details
If you have any specific questions about becoming a Special Constable, please contact us via email specials@surrey.pnn.police.uk
Additional Information
Following submission of your application you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your application attached. Occasionally emails from this address can fall into spam/junk folders so please ensure this is checked regularly. You may wish to consider adding noreply@surreysussexpolice.as.recruitmail.com to your address/contact list to ensure you receive all communications.
Diversity Statement
We are only as good as our people. It's really important that our officers and staff can be themselves in the workplace and we know that as an organisation we'll grow from the variety of thinking, approach and skills that diversity brings; all of which help us to deliver a better policing service. We strive to ensure how we deliver our services, provide information and how we recruit is open and accessible to all.
We have multiple staff support groups who help to improve our understanding of minority issues and ensure they are reflected in our work. We are proud members of the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index and Disability Confident, a signatory of the Race at Work Charter and aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and the HeForShe movement.
We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities. Regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, social status or religious belief, we would love to hear from you.
Please use the following links to find out more on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Surrey Police and Sussex Police
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