Selection Process for Special Constables
The Special Constabulary is a powerful means by which local communities can be represented within the police force. As a trained volunteer with full police powers you can add real value by supporting our regular police service.
It's important that our officers reach a certain standard and quality – and that we can assess them to make sure this is the case.
There are two intakes a year for Special Constables in March and September. The selection process can be broken down into stages as follows:
Application Form
Your application starts with the completion of the application form. We do not accept CVs and it is vitally important that you complete all sections of the form honestly. You must disclose all the material information. Failure to do so will result in your application being rejected. If you are unsure about anything then please do contact us with your concerns.
If you wear glasses or contact lenses you should also submit a visual accuracy form to be completed at your expense by your optician. A pdf of the visual accuracy form is included at the bottom of this page.
In our How to Apply - Special Constables section you can download an application form which you can save and complete on your own computer and either email or post it to us.
Candidates who have any concerns regarding the character of their friends, associations or relationships they have with others are required to highlight the details of such individuals on the form which is contained within the application form pages of the recruiting web-site. A letter outlining further details is also included. All candidates must sign, date and submit the form even if they select that they do not have any such concerns about the character of their friends, associates or relationships with others.
Please be aware that it will take more than a first class stamp to post the form. Forms with incorrect postage may not be delivered.
On receipt, your application form is sifted to ensure that you meet the entrance criteria which if acceptable will lead to you being invited to sit the police Standard Entrance Test (SET).
Standard Entrance Test
The test is made up of three papers. There are three different versions of the test, therefore all applicants are allowed to sit the Standard Entrance Test (SET) a maximum of three times. The test covers:
- language
- numbers
- information handling
Should you fail the test and are eligible to re-sit the SET a new date will be arranged. However the timescales to re-arrange all re-sits may result in the applicant being carried forward to the next planned intake date.
To help you get ready for the test we've created sample papers for you to practice with. To find them. scroll down to the bottom of this page where there is a list of pdf documents you can download. If you prefer, we can send them to you. Please call 01355 566352 in that case.
Dyslexic Candidates
We are committed to making our selection processes and facilities as accessible as possible for all applicants and employees. If you have, or think you may have dyslexia, you can contact recruitment on 01355 566513/566359 who will be able to provide further guidance and assistance. We also provide the application form in a range of different formats to suit individual needs. We also provide the application form in a range of different formats to suit individual needs. You can email the team on:
recruiting.diversity@strathclyde.pnn.police.uk
If you would like to know more about dyslexia, visit Dyselxia Scotwest at www.dyslexia.com.
Vetting
Prior to the panel interview taking place we will have you and your immediate family vetted and will have requested personal, employment and educational references as appropriate from your application form. This will be carried out by the Force Vetting Unit, which is independent of the recruiting department.
It is crucial that all candidates disclose any previous convictions or involvement with the police on their application form. This includes tickets for road traffic offences such as speeding or parking tickets. Failure to do so will almost certainly result in the application being rejected as it would be considered an integrity issue.
Panel Interview
The next phase of the process is interview based. There is one panel interview which you must pass. All applicants will be interviewed by two members of the recruiting team at the Force Training and Recruitment Centre or other suitable police premises.
During the interview we will be looking to confirm that you have the necessary skills and qualities to be an effective special constable. This may include things such as being an effective communicator, a team player, good integrity, respect for diversity, commitment, good common sense and be physically fit and active.
What happens next?
The last two stages are an in-depth medical and pre-appointment substance misuse testing.
The in-depth medical will be carried out by staff from our occupational health unit. Please note that your eyesight will be re-tested at the medical stage of the process even if you have submitted a visual accuracy form.
In 2009 Strathclyde Police introduced pre-appointment substance misuse testing for all new candidates to the regular and special constabularies and for all transferees to the Force. Further details can be obtained by contacting the Recruiting Department.
If you pass both the medical and the substance misuse testing then you will be asked to contact our supplies department where arrangements will be made for you to attend to be measured for uniform.
Following completion of this, you will be held in a pool of candidates until such time as we are in a position to offer you an appointment.
You must notify us of any change that may affect your application immediately. That could include things like a change of address, getting married or for being stopped for any traffic offences. Failure to disclose this information at the appropriate time could have a detrimental effect on your application.