Selection Process for Special Constables
It's important our officers reach a certain standard and quality – and that we can assess them to make sure this is the case.
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 and are eligible to become a special constable.
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.
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?
On Monday 18 May 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. This procedure will take place at the latter stages of the recruitment process. Further details can be obtained by contacting the Recruitment Department.
The last hurdle to overcome is an in-depth medical which 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.
If you pass the medical 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 will be consulted regarding your preference in respect of the area you would like to work in.
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.