The Special Constabulary has its own rank structure and senior officers, as listed below, although they come under the operational command of the regular senior officers.

• Special Constable
• Special Sergeant
• Special Inspector
• Special Chief Inspector
• Chief Officer Special Constabulary

 

All higher rank appointments that become vacant are advertised and filled by officers already serving as Specials. Promotion is based on good performance, dedication and leadership qualities.

All appointments are based on merit and ability and applicants have to go through the normal selection and interview process.

The more training and experience you gain, the more responsibility we will give you.

 

Hours

You must complete at least 16 hours of service per month as a Special, which is only four hours a week. Your hours will be flexible and you can arrange them according to your personal, home and work commitments. In an operational emergency, we may call you out for duty.

The more hours you put in, the more you will get back and the quicker your confidence will grow. Many Specials do far more than the minimum required and there is no restriction. We will, however, discourage you from letting your work as a Special take over your life!

 

Work and family life

We are the first Force to have implemented a scheme to enlist the help of employers for their employees wanting to become a Special. This is called 'the Specials Through Employers Partnership Scheme (STEP) and it could get your employer's support in allowing you time off your work to serve as a Special.

 

Pay and expenses

If you volunteer as a Special you receive no pay at it is a voluntary service. However, you can claim mileage expenses or the cost of travel to and from duty. You can also claim out-of-pocket expenses, including meals, if you can provide a receipt. You may also be entitled to a boot allowance if you serve a certain number of hours each year.

If you lose work pay due to having to attend court to give evidence, we will reimburse you. Sickness benefits will also be paid to you if you are injured on duty.

 

Uniform

You will be provided with a free uniform that is virtually identical to that of a regular officer. Your uniform will remain the property of Norfolk Police Authority. We will also issue you with handcuffs, a baton, and CS spray after you have been trained in how to use this equipment and hold the necessary certificates.

 

Place of duty

You can expect to be based at the nearest police station to your home but you may have to travel to another station for training.

 

Benefits

As a Special Constable you will work closely with regular officers in serving the community. This is a great opportunity for you to meet people from all walks of life.

You will be presented with constant challenges and opportunities to develop your skills and you will also receive excellent training - both initially and during your first year of service.

In your first year you will be given 14 core training sessions to help you work effectively and safely as a Special Constable.

There will be ongoing training available to you on new legislation, conflict management and other key skills which will also support you in your full-time employment and personal development.

 

Job satisfaction

Speak to anyone serving as a Special and they will tell you that they achieve a real sense of satisfaction from their work - particularly after an incident where their work has had an impact on people. They also find that their confidence and self-esteem improves and that they find a great deal of pleasure and a sense of pride in helping others.

 

To learn more about the benefits of working as a Special, read the case studies.

 

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.