The recruitment and selection process has five stages:

Stage 1 - Review of application form and medical details.

We use the answers you give in the application form to assess whether you have the skills and attributes needed to be a Special Constable.

It will help us to gain a positive picture of you if your answers to the questions are honest, neat and well-thought out and you give specific details.

As part of your application form, we ask you to give us your biography. This is particularly important as part of the Special Constable's role includes writing and taking statements. Your biography will enable us to see how you approach report writing, as well as how your life experiences can help the work of Norfolk Constabulary.

 

Stage 2 - Police Initial Recruitment Test (PIR)

The PIR test takes about two hours and consists of a number of multiple choice questions set out in sections. We will give you a certain amount of time to complete each section. It tests your numeracy, literacy, logical thinking and observation skills and everyone has to pass it before they can go on to the next stage.

You will take the test in either King’s Lynn, North Walsham, Great Yarmouth, or Wymondham.

A book that gives you more information about the test together with some practice examples is available in bookshops.

 

Stage 3 - Interview

You will be interviewed by a panel of officers from the Operational Area where you will be based. The panel will normally consist of a senior Special Constabulary officer and a regular police officer. They will have a copy of your biography and will ask you questions that they have prepared beforehand. Their aim is to get to know you and talk about your application and your skills and abilities.

This is an opportunity for you to show that you are an effective communicator, have a strong customer focus, and work well as part of a team (particularly respecting race and diversity).

They will also tell you more about the work you will do as a Special and make sure that you understand the demands of the role. The interview usually lasts about 30 minutes.

 

Stage 4 - Medical

Your medical will be with a health care professional and will test the following: eye sight, hearing, blood pressure, lung function, reflexes, and urine (for diabetes and kidney problems).

 

Stage 5 - Initial training

This initial training is classroom-based and it is held at police headquarters in Wymondham on six weekends over four months. You must complete it successfully before we can accept you.

It focuses on: law and powers of arrest; statement taking; Human Rights; diversity; practical skills to work effectively and safely as a Special Officer including using Airwave radio.

Once you have completed this training, you will be 'sworn in' as a Special Officer before a Magistrate. This is known as attestation.

 

Stage 6 - Defensive tactics training

Again, this is held at police headquarters in Wymondham over two weekends.

You will be taught self-defence and how to use the baton, handcuffs and CS spray. You will be issued with these items of equipment once your instructor is happy you are competent to use them.

 

Your probation period / Additional training

After you have completed your training and have been 'sworn in', you will be on probation for a year.

During this year's probation, you will receive on-the-job guidance and will only ever go out on patrol with a regular officer or a confirmed Special Constable. You will have to attend 12 training lessons held in the area where you are based and we will encourage you to attend other training sessions where possible. This training will include more in-depth topics such as traffic laws, drugs offences and stop search.

During your probationary period we will expect you to focus on a range of different competencies and skill areas to ensure you work effectively and safely as a Special Constable.

The training and practical patrol work will allow you to build your confidence so that at the end of your year's probation, your supervisors will be satisfied with your work and confirm you as a Special Constable.

 

If you would like any further information about the role of a Police Special, please contact Sue Goode by telephoning 101 and ask for the Special Constabulary or by emailing stepspecials@norfolk.pnn.police.uk or check out the Police Could You website.