Special Constables

Our recruitment process

Special Constables

Our recruitment process

The recruitment process

We understand the recruitment process can feel a little overwhelming at times, but don’t worry – we’ll be with you every step of the way. Throughout the process, we’ll keep you updated via email, and you can always check your progress on the recruitment portal. Please, remember to check your junk mail/filter settings in case our emails have ended up there.

Our Recruitment Team

We’re committed to making your recruitment experience as smooth as possible. We’re always here if you need help or have any questions. We aim to bring out the best in you and appreciate any feedback on how we can improve our process.

Appeals Policy

We work hard to make our recruitment process fair, open, and consistent for everyone. If you’re unsuccessful at any stage, you can ask for feedback to help you understand the outcome and, where appropriate, submit an appeal. Appeals must be sent within 14 days of receiving your unsuccessful notification. Unfortunately, we’re unable to consider appeals received after this timeframe. If you’d like to appeal, please submit your request in writing to the HR Shared Service Centre – Management Team at careers@leics.police.uk.

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Step 1: Eligibility & National Sift

The first step in the process is a short application form which includes several eligibility 'killer' questions.

Some of these questions will ask whether you:

Have ever received a custodial, suspended or deferred prison sentence.
Have any convictions, cautions, reprimands, warnings or bind-overs.
Have been convicted of, or given a caution for a caution for, a listed offence, or convicted of an attempt or conspiracy to commit a listed offence.
Right to work in the UK.
Reside in the UK for the last 3 years.
Financial status.

Your answers will determine whether you are eligible to continue through the recruitment process.

If you're eligible, we’ll invite you to complete the National Sift, which includes a Situational Judgement Test and a Behavioural Style Questionnaire. Passing both of these is required to move to the next stage.

If you have a National Sift score from another force within the past 18 months, we can accept that. Just make sure to submit proof.

Click here to view the college of policing guidance video.

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Step 2: Full Application Form

If you pass the National Sift, you’ll be invited to complete the full online application form. If you have any tattoos, make sure to upload a photo as per the guidelines. You’ll also need to declare any spent or unspent convictions and your financial history – honesty is key!

Step 3: Special Constable Assessment Centre

The Special Constable Assessment Centre is held at Leicestershire Police Headquarters, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet serving Special Constables and gain insight into the role.

The assessment centre consists of three exercises; an Observation exercise, a Role‑play exercise and a Competency‑based interview.

The assessment centre lasts approximately two hours and is typically scheduled on a weeknight or at the weekend.

All candidates invited to attend will receive guidance and webinar support beforehand to help them prepare.

We are looking for enthusiastic, empathetic individuals who are keen to learn and understand that the public will view them as police officers, not volunteers.

Step 4: Pre-Employment Checks

If you pass the interview, the next stage involves pre-employment checks to ensure you're ready to join us. These include:

Medical Assessment

Our Occupational Health and Wellbeing team will assess your overall health, including eyesight, hearing, lung function, and colour vision. Please note, we do not conduct Body Mass Index (BMI) checks unless there are concerns related to your health. You’ll need to complete a medical history questionnaire, and depending on your history, we may contact your GP for more details. Once you’re declared medically fit, we’ll proceed to the next step.

To understand the medical process in more detail, watch the following film.

Watch the video

References

We’ll request references from your current employer and any previous employers over the last five years. Additionally, we’ll ask for a character reference. If you haven’t been employed for five years, speak with your recruitment officer for alternative options. We also have an attendance policy in place, so a review of your sickness history will be done during this stage.

Vetting

We carry out confidential checks on you and your close family, including spouse or partner, parent (and their partners), siblings (full, half and step), children aged 10 and over, as well as any adults living with you.

Financial Checks

We’ll assess your financial status as part of the vetting process. This is because police officers have access to sensitive information, and we want to ensure there are no vulnerabilities to corruption. If you have any outstanding County Court Judgements (CCJs), Individual Voluntary Agreements (IVAs), or unresolved bankruptcy, your application may be impacted. If you’ve discharged bankruptcy debts, you’ll need to provide a Certificate of Satisfaction, and at least three years must have passed since discharge.

Drugs Test

As part of the pre-employment checks, you'll undergo a drug screening conducted by an external company called Abbott. The test will involve a hair sample to check for substances such as Cannabis (Cannabinoids), Amphetamines (including ecstasy), Cocaine, Opiates (e.g., morphine and heroin), Benzodiazepines and Methamphetamines.

You’ll need to sign a consent form to confirm your acceptance of the test and acknowledge that a positive result could affect your application. Please be honest about any medicines you’ve taken.

Fitness Test

You’ll need to complete the Job-Related Fitness Test (JRFT), which is a multi-stage shuttle run, also known as the bleep test. You need to reach level 5:4 to pass. This test assesses whether you're fit for Officer Safety Training, which involves learning how to protect yourself and others. We recommend you start training early to improve your fitness level, aiming for 20 to 30-minute runs, three times a week, to prepare for the test.

Biometrics

We will need to take fingerprints and DNA samples to carry out some final vetting checks against the national police database.

Fit to Proceed

Medical assessments are reviewed on an individual basis. Having a medical condition does not automatically prevent you from joining the police service. Each case is assessed according to the demands of the role, national medical standards, and whether reasonable adjustments may be required. If necessary, a Fit to Proceed Panel will review individual circumstances to determine suitability for appointment.

Once all pre-employment checks are successfully completed, we’ll send you a formal offer, a starter pack, and joining instructions.

A short note around vetting

Information obtained during the vetting process is handled confidentially and shared only where necessary and in accordance with data protection legislation and organisational policies.

If you have previous cautions or convictions, these will be assessed in line with relevant legislation, National Vetting Guidance and Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Behaviour. For police staff roles, all cautions and convictions are considered in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and the requirements of the role.

Once employed, you are responsible for maintaining your vetting clearance. This means informing the Vetting Team of any significant changes in your circumstances, including changes to your finances, address, relationship status, household members, children over the age of 10, or criminal convictions.

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Top Tips for a Successful Vetting Process

We understand that completing vetting forms can feel daunting. Providing complete and accurate information from the outset helps us assess your application fairly and avoid delays. Vetting helps ensure that everyone who works with us meets the high standards of integrity, professionalism, and trust expected by the public.

Be Honest and Open

Provide accurate and honest information throughout your application. Our Vetting Team is highly experienced and carries out detailed checks using a range of systems and information sources. Being open from the outset helps us assess your application fairly.

Respond Promptly

If we contact you for additional information, please reply as quickly as possible. Timely responses help us progress your application and avoid unnecessary delays.

Manage Your Finances

Financial checks form part of the vetting process. Having debt does not automatically prevent you from obtaining clearance, but we will consider factors such as the level of debt, repayment arrangements, and any missed payments. Financial circumstances are particularly important for higher levels of clearance, such as MV, DV, and NPPV Level 3.

Review Your Social Media Presence

Take time to review your social media accounts before applying. Consider your privacy settings, the content you share, the groups you belong to, and the people you are connected with online.

Understand Your Associations

Your associations may form part of the vetting assessment. This includes people you have ongoing contact with both in person and online. For example, if you are connected to someone through social media, regularly interact with them, or share their content, this may be considered an association. Being aware of your online connections can help you provide complete and accurate information during the vetting process.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

While AI tools can be helpful, we value your unique voice and personal input. We encourage you to use your own words and ideas in your application. After all, that’s what sets you apart. If we detect AI-generated content, it may result in your application being rejected, so please keep it authentic!

Using AI within your application

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