Special Constables
Avon and Somerset Police (Special Constables)
| Name: | Special Constables |
| Organisation: | Avon and Somerset Police (Special Constables) |
| Location: | |
| Type: |
Part Time
Duty times are very flexible but we are looking for people able to contribute at least 16 hours per month.
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Description
As a Special Constable, you will get to see the impact of crime on people’s lives and the extraordinary power you have as an individual to make a real difference in your community. Being a Special Constable is both exciting and rewarding and, for many, it is a life-changing decision, helping to build skills, experience and self-confidence that transform lives and are hugely beneficial to their main, employed careers. Special Constables are volunteer police officers with the same uniform, equipment and powers as a police constable and receiving training in all the same areas. Special Constables are the embodiment of the British culture of policing by consent.
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Organisation Description
We are the Police Service for Avon and Somerset.
Our mission:
• Serve
• Protect
• Respect
Our vision:
• Outstanding policing for everyone
Our values:
• Caring
• Courageous
• Inclusive
• Learning
When
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thurs | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
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| Morning | |||||||
| Afternoon | |||||||
| Evening |
Cause / Interests
- Emergency Services
Types of Activity
- Advice, Information and Support
- Community Work
- Driving
- Local Events
- Officials
Skills and Qualifications
Requirements
Avon and Somerset Police are looking for people from all sorts of age groups (over 18, without an upper age limit) and backgrounds to assist their communities by volunteering as Special Constables. We are the police for all the communities and our officers reflect this. Special Constables have identical kit and uniform to regular police officers, as well as identical powers, including power of arrest. These powers are not given out lightly, so Special Constables have to undertake a rigorous selection procedure and a thorough training process. Special Constables need to be of good character and to pass a basic fitness test.
Some of the activities a volunteer will be involved with are:
Foot and mobile patrol
Responding to police incidents
Interacting with the public.
Benefits
Special Constables receive training, skills, experience and self confidence in their voluntary role which all translate effectively back to the day job. Our Special Constables tend to do well in their day job careers because of this, and being a Special Constable looks great on any CV. The voluntary role itself provides opportunities to take charge of, and to de-escalate difficult situations, which is enormously satisfying. Many of our Specials can point to lives they have helped to save and lives they have helped to turn around for the better. In addition to this, Special Constables always mention the camaraderie which exists within the police family as being a great benefit.
Induction:
Special Constables go through a rigorous training process, beginning with two months of distance learning and then a programme of six weekends of training delivered over every other weekend. After this you will be tutored by an operational police officer until you reach full competency and also attend some further training sessions; this typically takes up to two years.
Recruitment:
Recruitment method:
New Special Constables undergo several stages of recruitment:
Attend a mandatory pre-application session
Online application and eligibility check
Interview
Pre-appointment checks including vetting and references
Medical, biometrics, drugs test
Fitness test
Additional/Specific Suitabilities
| Minimum Age: | 18 | |
| Maximum Age: | NA | |
| Disabled Access: | No | |
| Wheelchair Access: | No | |
| Expenses: | Travelling expenses and meal allowances are available | |
| Restrictions: | Wheelchair Access - our sites are wheelchair accessible but due to the physical nature of the role, this wouldn’t be a suitable role for someone in a wheelchair. | |
| Induction: | Yes | |
| Insurance Cover: | Yes | |
| Special Needs: | We can support people with Special Needs although Special Constables need to pass an assessment process | |
| Offer: | Avon and Somerset Special Constables benefit from tremendous support as you would expect from a large blue-light service. | |
| Training: | Initial training takes place over seven weekends, with optional free accommodation provided. | |
| Other: | Special Constables need to be of good character and without serious criminal convictions. |
Recruitment Method
Application form, References, Information Day, Other, Interview, Taster session