What are 'Specials'?

'Specials' is the nickname for the Special Constabulary. Specials are trained by their force, and volunteer a minimum of four hours per week of their spare time. They have the same powers as regular officers, and wear a similar uniform.

Who can apply?

Cambridgeshire Constabulary welcomes applications from everyone over the age of 18, in particular female and ethnic minority groups as they are under represented. The principles of fair and open competition apply and appointments will be made on merit. Cambridgeshire Constabulary operate a positive action programme and support is provided throughout the recruitment process.

What do I gain from being a Special?

As a Special, you'll discover a lot you did not know about yourself and just how much you are really capable of. You'll develop self-respect and self-confidence, and you'll earn the right to feel pride in having played your part to make your community united and stronger in the fight against crime.

Whether you've tried to apply before or just want to get a feel for what it's like to work with the Police, joining the Specials is a good way to gain valuable experience, make contacts, and find out if a career in the Police force is right for you.

What requirements do you need?

The basic requirements are:

• You 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


• You must have resided in the UK for the last 3 years


• You must be at least 18 years and six months old


• You should be in good health, and of good character


• You must be able to speak and write English competently


• You must have a good level of physical fitness.

What sort of duties can I expect to be involved in?

Duties vary force by force and day by day. Specials often find their duties include foot patrol, tackling anti-social behaviour, offering support to officers after accidents or incidents, enforcing road safety initiatives, conducting house-to-house inquiries, and providing security at major events. Specials can also give talks about safety and crime preventions at local schools and businesses. They will form an integral part of neighbourhood policing teams.

Are Special Constables paid?

No. While you will not be paid for your work, your uniform will be provided for you free of charge, and you will be reimbursed for any expenses.

How many hours' duty will I have to work?

The Special Constabulary requires a minimum of four hours work per week, usually in a single shift. Cambridgeshire Special Constabulary initially asks for eight hours a week. All Specials can put in more hours if they wish.

Does being a Special make it easier for me to join the regular Police Force?

The Special Constabulary does give you a good insight into what a career in police work might be like. However, recruitment requirements for regular police officers are different, and being a Special is no guarantee that you'll meet the requirements for becoming a regular officer.

Is there scope for promotion?

Yes, the Cambridgeshire Special Constabulary has various ranks and corresponding insignia and epaulettes to denote them.

The ranks are as follows:

• Force Commandant


• Assistant Force Commandant


• Special Superintendent


• Special Inspector


• Special Sergeant


• Special Constable

Can I drive a police car?

As an officer progresses into stage three of their training, and provided they are successful in the completion of the police driving test, they will become eligible to drive certain police vehicles. Specials are not allowed to use blue lights or sirens.

What does the Recruitment Process involve?

After successfully passing the application shortlisting stage, you will be invited to attend an assessment centre. This will involve an Interview and PIRT tests.

In the interview you will be asked 5 competency based questions and will be assessed on the answers you give.

The Core Competencies include:

• Respect for Race & Diversity
• Team Working
• Personal Responsibility
• Resilience
• Conflict resolution
• Problem Solving.

The PIRT tests involve:

• Verbal usage
• Checking Information
• Working with numbers
• Verbal Reasoning.

On successful completion at the assessment centre you must then undertake:

Fitness Test

Currently all new recruits are required to achieve a minimum level of fitness. This is tested by measuring cardio vascular efficiency, and our requirement is to achieve 5/4 in a bleep test i.e. to achieve running at a speed at level 5 for at least four lengths in the test.

Applicants are also required to push 34kg and pull 35kg on the upper-body strength test. (You are entitled to 3 attempts at the fitness test should they be required).

Medical Examination

The medical examination will comprise of 30 minutes with the Occupational Health Nurse Advisor.

The Nurse looks at:

• Previous medical history
• Height and Weight
• Urine testing
• Hearing test
• Lung function
• Eye test including colour blindness – applicants must be able to read the first two lines of an opticians chart unaided.

What kind of training will I undertake?

Prior to undertaking any Police patrol duties, new recruits to the Cambridgeshire Special Constabulary will undergo an Induction course of (Wednesday evenings, Sunday days and 5 days Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm), which covers core police work, officer safety and first aid training. Successful completion of the course requires candidates to pass appropriate written and practical assessments and achieve a full attendance record.

On successful completion of the induction course, over the next twelve months, new recruits will be given the opportunity and support to consolidate and build on the core skills learnt under the support of either a regular Tutor Support Constable or an experienced Special Constabulary Officer. Through the use of a Personal Development Portfolio (PDP) training needs will be identified and addressed. In addition new recruits will be expected to attend regular monthly training sessions based on police core skills to further their competency.

The Induction course is delivered by the Special Constabulary Trainer, Special Constabulary Training Officers and Regular members of the Cambridgeshire Police Force.

Special Constabulary Officers who transfer from other forces will need to show either their PDP or Performance Development Review Appraisal in order for any training needs to be identified and addressed.

Can I apply with criminal convictions?

You may be eligible to join with minor convictions or cautions, but this depends on how old you were at the time and what the conviction or caution was for. There are certain types of offences which will lead to instant rejection, such as murder, manslaughter, death by reckless driving, rape, kidnapping, firearms offences, gross indecency, hostage taking, hi-jacking or torture. You are also not eligible to apply if you have received a caution within the last 5 years or if you have committed a drink driving offence within the last 10 years.

Do I have to be a British Citizen?

To be eligible for appointment you must be a British Citizen or an EC or EEA national or a Commonwealth Citizen or Foreign National with no restrictions on your stay in the UK. You must have also lived in the UK for a minimum of 3 years prior to your application.

Can I apply if I have tattoos?

Yes, however, tattoos MUST be covered up at all times whilst on duty by means of uniform clothing. Applicants with tattoos above the neck, hands or lower wrist are not eligible to apply.

Queries

From our homepage follow the recruitment link to Special Constable vacancies. You can complete the full application online and when submitted it goes straight through to the recruitment team. If you have any further queries please email the recruitment team on recruitment.applications@cambs.pnn.police.uk or contact the recruitment team on 01480 422756.