New Special Constable

Post: Special Constable Volunteer role (unpaid) – expenses can be claimed

Hours: Minimum of 16 hours per month

Location: Cleveland Police area

 

Special Constables are volunteer Police Officers who hold the exact same powers as regular Police Officers and who wear the same uniform, attending the same frontline policing incidents. Volunteering with the Special Constabulary may particularly appeal to those who are looking to put something back into their local communities.

 As a Special Constable, you'll work alongside our regular officers, forging strong partnerships in the community, patrolling our streets, preventing crime and interacting with all kinds of people. A Special Constable can act as a positive force for change - bringing with them an extensive pool of skills, talents, experience, local knowledge and diverse backgrounds - as well as enhancing the overall level of service provided by the police.

 

Am I eligible to be a Special Constable?

To be a Special Constable a person must:

• either be a national of a country within the European Economic Area or, if not, have leave to remain in the UK free of restrictions
• be at least aged 18 on appointment (you are eligible to apply at age 17)
• be able to complete the fitness requirement and pass a medical examination
• be able to speak and write English competently

 

We are looking to recruit candidates from all sectors of our communities to this challenging but very rewarding voluntary role. As policing is 24/7, 365 days a year, Special Constables can fit their policing around their often busy lives very easily, and it is very flexible to do. Whilst a challenging role, we have an excellent initial and ongoing training programme, and you will be supported throughout.

Interested in becoming a Special but would like some more information? Please register for our Specials recruitment event on Tuesday 14^th October via the below link. 

Special Constable Recruitment Event

If you think you have what it takes to become a Special Constable and make a difference to communities across Cleveland, please apply today via the online application form with potential start dates from March 2026.

 

Please click here to view the guidance document including benefits.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Please note there are certain occupations which Special Constables cannot hold.  If you hold one of these occupations, you will not be eligible to apply. Please click here for further information on this. Please note this is under review, if you have any concerns please email

 

Key dates:

Final Interviews are taking place on a ongoing basis, as part of the recruitment process you will also be asked to complete the National Sift after shortlisting.

If successful, as part of your training you will be required to complete your personal safety training which we expect to take 8 full days, as well as 2 full days of first aid training - specific dates will be confirmed as part of your formal offer. Training takes place one evening per week, and is expected to take approximately 26 weeks to complete.

We are working towards a cohort starting in Spring 2026 but this is subject to change.

At Cleveland Police we are committed to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion, and are actively seeking to reflect the communities we serve. We encourage applications from individuals across all diverse communities particularly those of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. All appointments will be made on merit.