Any volunteers?
There are special people in our community who feel they want to put something back into the community, which support their lifestyle.
Special Constables volunteer for a minimum of four hours per week to provide the welcome and reassuring sight of a uniformed officer on the beat reinforcing the link between the police service and the community.
Before you try, you will not know how rewarding certain duties can be. What it feels like to know that your time and energy has directly contributed to making the community in which you live a far safer and more pleasant place.
To find out more regarding the recruitment of a Special Constable please follow this link.
Make the time to make the difference
You can make a real difference in your local community. Hundreds of men and women from all walks of life have already taken up the challenge and joined the Special Constabulary. We are looking for people with common sense and maturity who can spare a minimum of four hours per week to patrol the streets of your community alongside colleagues from the regular force.
You will be asked to assist in the policing of public events, from premier league football matches to local village fete or carnival. Whatever you do we can promise that you'll get a real sense of pride and achievement by putting something really valuable back into the community.
You will be provided with all uniform and kit required for duty. You will be trained in aspects of the law, police powers and the use of self-defence equipment.
Please note: All training undertaken for the role is in addition to the minimum four hours per week.
Who says you get nothing for it?
It is true that there are no financial rewards for being one of Hampshire's Special Constables, but we can promise you that if you're the type of person we're looking for, you'll get a real sense of satisfaction from making your community a better place to live whilst making new friends and developing skills in the following areas:
- Communicating and negotiating effectively
- Staying calm under pressure
- Problem solving
- Decision making
- Team building
- Leadership and management
- Responsibility
We'll train you to be confident to deal with any situation you are likely to come across and you'll also learn a whole new range of skills that could also improve your job prospects.
Whilst you are on duty you will see how the job is done at the sharp end of policing. You will make your contribution and gain confidence and experience to the extent that dealing with certain situation becomes second nature.
During the first year you will be expected to complete a series of core tasks which will enable you to undertake independent duties. You will feel rewarded that you have been able to help people in need, and the officers you work with who will make you feel part of the police family will appreciate your presence.
So, if you think you are one of these special people who want to make a contribution that matters then do not be afraid to take the first step.
Employer Supported Policing (ESP)
There are currently twelve ESP Special Constables based at Festival Place, Basingstoke Gunwharf Quay and Commercial Road, Portsmouth.
These officers police the shopping centres targeting retail crime and anti-social behaviour. The special constables' employers provide them with paid time off for training and a set number of duties. Extra duties can be worked in their own time if desired.
Organisations involved with this scheme will create an excellent profile for themselves in the community and gain other tangible benefits, eg a decrease in stock lost to shoplifters. Other benefits include:
- Staff development - the police training programme develops new skills at no direct cost to the employer.
- A better environment - Special constables make a direct, positive impact on the environment. They provide a further visible police presence in the employer’s area and tackle crime and disorder. They reduce crime rates and reduce fear of crime among customers and staff.
- Improved staff morale - better-challenged and more fulfilled staff make better-motivated employees, and knowing that their employers support their volunteering will increase employee loyalty to the organisation.
- A positive profile - helping staff to make a difference to the community is good news. Supporting the Special Constabulary is a concrete action that will demonstrate the employer’s commitment to corporate social responsibility. The work of Special Constables will foster positive links between the organisation and the rest of the community.
.For more information on Employer supported policing please contact the Special Constabulary Team using the contact details on the recruitment details page.
Hampshire Special Constabulary Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011
The Special Constabulary Strategic Plan outlines some of the key developments within Hampshire Constabulary Special Constabulary.
The plan is reviewed by the Special Constabulary Strategy Group and the Special Constabulary Senior Management Team. The Special Constabulary is managed by the Community Safety Department with a full time paid co-ordinator and a small team based at Netley. View the Special Constabulary Strategic Plan (.pdf, 24KB).
We are now recruiting Special Constables for all areas of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
For details of the application process, and how to request an application form, see the recruitment details page.
