Eligibility
Applicants applying to become Special Constables have to meet the same basic eligibility requirements as people applying to be regular officers (see attachment below).
Eligibility requirements include:
- Applicants must be over the age of 17.5 years, there is no upper age limit.
- Only applications from member states of the European Economic Area, or other nationals who have leave to enter or remain in the UK for an indefinite period will be accepted. All applicants must have lived in the UK for three years immediately prior to submitting an application.
- Convictions or cautions could make you ineligible (this will depend on the nature and circumstances of the offence).
- Some occupations could prevent you from being a Special Constable (e.g. employees of security organisations and security personnel, guards and doormen).
- Applicants must be judged to be physically and mentally able to undertake their duties.
To find out if you are eligible to become a Special Constable please complete the Self Selection Questionnaire.
Self Selection Questionnaire (.pdf, 64KB)
Hampshire Constabulary Assessment Process for Special Constables
Every police force has its own appointment standards and assessment process for Special Constables.
Application Form
You will be required to complete a Special Constable Application Form for the role. It is very important that you provide sound evidence when completing the application form. The information you supply should clearly relate to the question being asked and you should demonstrate by means of a real example how you applied that skill, gained or used that knowledge, or exercised that ability. Providing a clear and verifiable example helps the Constabulary see in practical terms how you meet the standard required for you to continue through to the next stage of the process.
The Assessment Process
This page contains details of the process that you will go through during the assessment process.
Training
Once you are successful with your application to become a Special Constable you will begin your training. This is what will transform you. Many recruits are amazed at how much more confident, able and stronger they feel as a person after their training. That’s because it’s extremely thorough and prepares you for the type of scenarios you could face. You’ll learn how to treat people fairly and diffuse situations by using reason rather than force and when there is no alternative, to defend yourself and others, using minimal coercion. You’ll find out all about the law, police procedure and how the criminal mind works. All in all, this takes seven weekends at our training centre at Netley, followed by regular evening training sessions at your allocated police station. You’ll also be assigned a mentor who will guide and monitor your progress while you make the change from recruit to an independent Special Constable.
Following your initial training there is mandatory frontline training that every Special Constable is required to attend. For more details regarding the commitment involved please call 023 8074 5332.
Please note: It is not compulsory to be residential on the training weekends if family or other commitments prevent you from this.
This page contains details of the specific process for those who wish to transfer from the Special Constabulary section of another force.
Recruitment Events
Hampshire Constabulary holds regular Special Constable recruitment events around the county. These events are designed for potential applicants to drop in and ask questions at any time. There will be someone to answer any question that you may have, including, the recruitment process and eligibility, life as a Special Constable or training.
Special Constabulary Team Contact Details
Tel : 023 8074 5425
Email: recruiting.specials@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
Hampshire Constabulary welcomes applicants from prospective employees who are disabled. We are committed to ensuring that all applicants who are disabled and who meet the minimum criteria for a vacancy, will be offered access to the selection process.
