What Makes a Good Special Constable?
Whatever your background or age, we need your commitment. Obviously you must be interested in police work, physically fit and at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit. You'll also need a good all round education, and the ability to keep a clear head, even at the most challenging times. And that's really it – this is a role where who you are is so much more important than where you're from or what your qualifications are. Just bring enthusiasm, maturity, great interpersonal skills and confidence. So your background doesn't matter – nor does your sexual orientation or gender.
Residency Criteria
Applicants must be a British citizen, a member of the EU or other states in the EEA, a Commonwealth citizen or a foreign national free of restrictions. You should also have been resident in the UK for a minimum of three years immediately prior to application. In certain circumstances, it is possible for the minimum residency period for vetting to be waived. This can only be done where it is possible to make, or confirm, in the relevant jurisdictions with local Law Enforcement and National Security bodies, which are equivalent, and of a similar standard, to enquires which would be made in the UK, on both the applicant and all family members and associates. In cases where it is not possible to makes the equivalent checks, the residency criterion will be stringently enforced.
It is also important you have no conflicts of interest. For example, members of the Fire Service are regularly called to work unexpectedly. Employees of security organisations, private investigators, managers or staff of licensed premises and betting offices, or serving members of the HM Forces, are also unsuitable for the role.