Special Constables

Serve with pride

Special Constables

Serve with pride

What is a Special Constable?

Special Constables are warranted Police Officers who volunteer their time to give back to their communities.

Becoming a Special Constable with Leicestershire Police is a rewarding way to make a real difference in your community. Special Constables (“Specials”) come from all walks of life and volunteer a minimum of 16 hours a month to support local policing.

Specials work alongside Police Officers, wearing the same uniform and holding the same powers and responsibilities in law, including the power of arrest. Sworn in by a magistrate, they are trusted and valued members of the policing team from day one.

The role offers varied and meaningful experiences, supported by high‑quality professional training. Specials respond to emergency incidents, help prevent crime, support victims and witnesses and attend public events. After qualifying for independent patrol, opportunities exist to specialise in different areas of Policing and can be promoted to the rank of Special Sergeant & Special Inspector gaining leadership skills.

Although the role is voluntary, meal and mileage expenses are provided. In return, Specials gain valuable skills, confidence, friendships, and unique insight into policing.

Above all, Special Constables take pride in protecting the public and serving the people of Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.

Current vacancies

What you could be doing?

As a Special Constable you choose the hours you work, you wear the same uniform and have the same powers as Regular Officers.

You could be doing any of the following in a shift:

Using police powers to deal with and prevent crime

Effectively exercising lawful police powers to prevent, detect, and investigate crime.

This includes conducting lawful searches, making arrests where necessary and issuing disposals.

Dealing with a variety of Police Incidents

Responding promptly and professionally to Police incidents, ensuring public safety and preserving life.

This includes securing scenes, providing first aid where trained to do so, managing traffic, coordinating with emergency services, and conducting initial investigations.

Gathering evidence and statements

Collecting, preserving, and documenting evidence in line with legal and procedural requirements.

This includes taking accurate witness and victim statements, securing exhibits, using body‑worn video effectively, and maintaining continuity of evidence.

Protecting victims and managing risk

Placing victims at the centre of policing by assessing risk, providing reassurance, and safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

This includes identifying threats such as domestic abuse or repeat victimisation, implementing safeguarding measures, and working with partner agencies.

Working alongside Neighbourhood Policing

Working with Neighbourhood Police Officers to conduct patrols and community engagement in local Policing Areas.

This includes providing proactive patrols, to prevent and detect crime and helping tackle neighbourhood concerns.

Click here to find out what our Specials have been up to on duty recently on our dedicated Facebook page. Here you’ll see live, frontline updates from our Special Constables’

Entry requirements

We’re looking for people from all walks of life who are ready to make a difference. To apply to become a Special Constable, you’ll need to meet the following criteria.

Age

Be at least 17.5 years old when you apply, and 18 by the time you start.

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Citizenship

Be a UK, EU or Commonwealth citizen, or a foreign national with no restrictions on your right to stay in the UK. Have lived in the UK for the past three years, regardless of where you were born.

Education

You don’t need any specific qualifications to apply, but you will need to pass some written tests.

Skills

What really matters is having common sense, being a good communicator, and being able to stay cool under pressure. Dedication and motivation go a long way too.

Fitness

Being fit enough for the job is important. You’ll need to pass a fitness test called the Job-Related Fitness Test (JRFT). It includes a "bleep test" – where you'll have three chances to reach level 5.4.

Health assessment

You’ll complete a confidential medical questionnaire, and depending on your history, we may contact your GP. Conditions like epilepsy are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Driving licence

A full UK/EU valid manual driving licence is not required.

Background checks

You must declare any spent or unspent convictions and undergo a basic background check. Be honest – any undisclosed offences could impact your application. Minor motoring offences might not stop you applying.

Benefits of being a Special Constable

As a Special Constable with Leicestershire Police, you will receive structured training and ongoing support to help you carry out your role effectively.

Training is delivered through a programme of evening and weekend sessions, combining in‑person and virtual learning. This approach is designed to fit around your existing commitments while developing the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to police safely and professionally.

The role is both demanding and rewarding you will gain experience as a front line response office, you will also have the opportunity to support a range of policing activities, including neighbourhood policing, roads policing, rural policing and many others.

Being a Special Constable allows you to develop transferable skills including communication, teamwork, and decision‑making, while making a positive contribution to public safety. You will play an important part in helping to protect the people and communities of Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland and in delivering a high‑quality policing service.

What may hold you back?

The following criteria may prevent you from applying, so please be open and honest throughout the recruitment process. Be sure to check all criteria before applying!

Membership of some organisations

If you have been or are a member of a group or extreme political organisation such as BNP, National Front or Combat 18 that stirs up racial hatred and violence, a proscribed terrorist organisation, group or a similar organisation.

Existing or pending convictions

Are awaiting to appear in court or have any serious convictions or recent cautions, bind-overs or findings of guilt

Substance misuse

This includes the misuse of drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. However each case is considered upon its own merits.

Offensive tattoos

If you have tattoos on your face, neck or hands which could cause offence. However the nature, location, size, prominence and appearance of tattoos will be considered.

Financial checks

If you have any current County Court Judgements (CCJ) against you or be the subject of an Individual Voluntary Agreement (IVA). If you have been registered bankrupt, you may only apply if it is at least three years since the date your debts were discharged

Conflicts of interest

You also can’t apply if you work in certain roles. For example, a magistrate, bailiff, security guard, or some medical and emergency service roles. If you’re in the Armed Forces, you can only apply once discharged. But Reservists can apply at any time.

Special Constable - Ian

Joining the Special Constabulary seven years ago fulfilled a lifelong dream for me. As a child, I saw police officers as heroes - and now, as a Special Sergeant, I get to lead a team and protect the very community I grew up in.

Balancing this with my hospital maintenance job, I’ve learned it’s never too late to follow your passion. Policing is about action, not criticism - it’s about stepping up and making a real difference. It’s the most rewarding feeling knowing you’ve truly helped someone.

Special Sergeant Arvind

“I always wanted to join the police from a young age, but circumstances meant I was unable to do so. Years later, seeing a friend in police uniform introduced me to the role of Special Constable, a volunteering position I had not known about. With my family’s support, I joined the Specials in 2005 at the age of 45.

I have now served for 20 years, including 18 years as a Special Sergeant at Keyham Lane Police Station. I have worked alongside regular officers and fellow Specials in Response and Neighbourhood Policing, gaining invaluable life experience while supporting my local community. Over the years, I have received several awards in recognition of my contribution and service. At 65, I am proof that age is no barrier if you are fit and well.”

Special Sergeant Tom

“I’ve always wanted to be a Police Officer, but my career took me in a different direction. Joining as a Special Constable in 2022 through a pilot six‑week training course gave me the chance to serve while studying and building my career. In my day job I work in Communications and Engagement at Police Headquarters, which gives me a unique perspective on policing from both frontline and organisational viewpoints.

I’m now a Special Sergeant leading a team of 12 across two stations, and supporting their development is genuinely rewarding. The flexibility to volunteer around work and home life is a big part of why I continue to love this role.”

Interested? What next?

Want to learn what it's really like to be a Special Constable? Join us to hear first-hand from current members of the team, discover the recruitment process, and explore career opportunities with Leicestershire Police. Registration is easy – just check out the timetable below and sign up for the event you’d like to attend.

18:00, 28 July 2026

Special Constable Webinar

18:00, 12 August 2026

Special Constable Webinar

18:00, 7 September 2026

Special Constable Webinar

18:00, 24 September 2026

Special Constable Webinar

18:00, 6 October 2026

Special Constable Webinar

18:00, 19 October 2026

Special Constable Webinar

More about the recruitment process

Special Constable - (LP256, C1)

Leicestershire

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Find out more

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Special Constables

Special Constables

What is a Special Constable?

What you could be doing?

Entry requirements

Benefits of being a Special Constable

What may hold you back?

What It Means to Be a Special Constable

Special Constable - Ian

Special Sergeant Arvind

Special Sergeant Tom

Interested? What next?

18:00, 28 July 2026

18:00, 12 August 2026

18:00, 7 September 2026

18:00, 24 September 2026

18:00, 6 October 2026

18:00, 19 October 2026

Current Vacancies

Special Constable - (LP256, C1)