Special Constables

We’re looking for people from all backgrounds to join us—those who can earn trust, gain respect, and build positive relationships.

As a Special Constable, you’ll receive top-quality training to prepare you for your role. In addition, you’ll:

• Challenge yourself and develop transferable skills
• Make a real difference in your community
• Experience a side of the world most people only see in films
• Stay fit and healthy
• Receive ongoing training to enhance your skills
• Build confidence and gain real-world experience
• Get a work laptop and mobile phone for your duties
• Meet new people and expand your network
• Have mileage and subsistence costs covered
• Access thousands of discounts via the Blue Light Card

Employer Supported Policing (ESP) is a national scheme that allows your employer to grant you paid time off for your Special Constable duties. To learn more about ESP, click here.

Special Constables work across a variety of policing teams and, once fully trained, can carry out the same duties as regular police officers, including:

• Responding to 999 calls
• Patrolling on foot and in police vehicles
• Roads policing
• Searching people, vehicles, and premises
• Investigating crime, arresting suspects, and taking statements from witnesses
• Policing major events such as festivals, marches, and football matches
• Tackling local issues, including anti-social behaviour and harassment

As a Special Constable, you will receive comprehensive training to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to handle even the most challenging situations.

Our training programme ensures you can carry out your duties efficiently, effectively, and safely. You will gain a solid understanding of the law, policies, and procedures, along with essential practical skills. Training takes place over several weekends and includes:

• The role of a police officer and their duties
• Powers of arrest
• Common crimes
• Personal protection techniques
• Problem-solving skills
• Preparing evidence for court
• Managing difficult situations and people

Following your initial training, you will be assigned to a Tutor Constable for approximately 9–12 months. During this period, you will complete a personal development portfolio covering various aspects of policing. Once signed off, you will be ready for independent patrol.

When vacancies are available, you can apply to work with the following teams:

• Patrol: Frontline, uniformed teams responding to 999 and 101 calls, proactively patrolling, and dealing with crimes they encounter.
• Safer Neighbourhood Teams: Based at local police stations across the West Mercia policing area, these teams focus on high-visibility patrols, tackling community issues, anti-social behaviour, and long-term local problems. Their work includes prevention, engagement, and intelligence gathering.
• Operational Policing Units: Includes Roads Policing Officers, who undergo fast roads training and work on the frontline, as well as officers deployed in pre-planned operations.