How to become a special constable – a volunteer police officer with the same powers as a regular officer.
Special constables are volunteer police officers, sometimes known as specials. They take part in frontline police work and have the same powers as regular officers.
In-force interview
You will be interviewed by a panel from the force you applied to.
The panel will ask questions based on the Competency and values framework.
The interview is designed to be a professional conversation, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and experience.
The interview will last up to 60 minutes. You will be asked several questions, along with follow-up questions to explore your answers in more detail.
You may be asked different types of questions during your in-force interview including:
- Past-focused questions exploring what you have done in previous situations.
- Future-focused questions to explore what you might so in a specific situation.
- Scenario-based questions where you will be asked to explain how you would respond to a hypothetical job-related situation.
Throughout the interview, the panel will take notes to help them assess your responses. The panel may also interrupt your answer to make sure they understand what you have said or to ask for more information. This is to help prompt you to present as much evidence as possible.
Reasonable adjustments and accommodations
Some people need extra help or more time during assessments.
If you have a condition – temporary or permanent – that may cause you to be disadvantaged during your assessment, then you may be entitled to receive assistance via an appropriate accommodation or reasonable adjustment. For example, pregnancy, injury, medical conditions, disability or neurodivergence such as dyslexia or autism.
Reasonable adjustments may include additional time in the exercises or other adjustments. Any accommodation or reasonable adjustment will be based on the supporting information provided to your recruiting force in a relevant report, produced by an appropriately qualified professional.
If you believe you may have a condition that could disadvantage you, contact the force you are applying to directly. They will be able to assist you.
Related resources
Find out more about the special constabulary and its training and management.