The Benefits For You

Becoming a special gives you the chance to learn more about policing, show your community that you care, meet new people, enjoy new experiences and learn new skills. Not to mention discovering new things about yourself and just how much you are capable of.

West Mercia's training programme is now accredited by Teesside University so you will benefit from getting a University Certificate in Professional Development on completion of your training.  This could be used towards gaining other qualifications if you so wish at a later date.

What Training Will I Be Given?

You will be given all the training required to provide you with the skills and confidence to handle even the most difficult of situations. It will include:

• Learning about the police service and the duties of a police officer,
• Powers of arrest,
• Common crimes,
• Personal protection,
• How to prepare evidence for court,
• How to deal with awkward situations or people.

Will I have to pay for my uniform?

No, your uniform will be provided to you free of charge.

Will I be out of pocket?

Specials are volunteers who are unpaid but you will be entitled to certain allowances including travel to and from your place of duty*, boot allowance and compensation for any loss of earnings if you are required to attend court.

*Travel expenses are paid from home within the Force boundary to Training or Duty location OR if you live outside of the Force boundary travel expenses are paid from the Force boundary to Training or Duty location.