Special Constable

Derbyshire Constabulary; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A regional police force in East Midlands seeks volunteers for the role of Special Constable. This unique opportunity allows individuals to combat crime and enhance community safety while balancing their day jobs. Ideal candidates will be in good health and of good character, with a passion for helping others. Extensive training will be provided and up to 8 hours of paid leave per month is offered to those eligible. Applications close on 1 March 2026.

Benefits

Employer Supported Volunteer Scheme

Community engagement opportunities

Qualifications

• Must be 17 1/2 years old on application and 18 years old on appointment.
• Must be a UK citizen, EU citizen with Settled or Pre Settled Status, or a Commonwealth Citizen.
• In good health and of good character.

Responsibilities

• Carrying out high-visibility foot patrols to deter and detect criminals.
• Educating businesses and the community about crime.
• Talking to schoolchildren about crime reduction.
• Confronting anti-social behaviour on the streets.
• Managing alcohol-related incidents.
• Imposing road safety laws.
• Conducting house-to-house enquiries.
• Taking part in police operations.

Skills

Good health

Good character

Community engagement

Crime prevention knowledge

Job description

Overview

Use your spare time to help us fight crime and support your local community in Derbyshire! Our Special Constables are crucial in combating crime and anti-social behaviour. These committed individuals, after fulfilling their day jobs, still possess the passion and energy required to volunteer their time for the benefit of others.

Specials work alongside regular police officers and Police Community Support Officers to help police their local communities. They significantly contribute to crime prevention, solving cases, and responding to incidents, enhancing the capabilities of regular officers. Their visible presence in uniform helps alleviate public fear of crime and boosts community confidence in our communities.

As a Special, you'll serve as a volunteer police officer, with the full range of police powers. To the average person in the street, there's no indication that these officers are volunteering their services. If you're in search of a stretching and unique opportunity to volunteer, this is it.

Should you be successful, your anticipated start date will be 25 September 2026. Training will last for 20 weeks of weekend training (both Saturday and Sunday). Training will be delivered in the classroom throughout this period plus self-study. If you are unable to commit to the training timetable or start date, please set up job alerts for the next campaign.

What you'll be doing

• Carrying out high-visibility foot patrols to deter and detect criminals.
• Educating businesses and the community about crime and how to avoid it to reduce crime and people's fear of it happening.
• Talking to schoolchildren about crime reduction and community safety to help them stay safe and make the right choices.
• Confronting anti-social behaviour on the streets such as gangs or intimidating behaviour.
• Managing alcohol-related incidents such as public drunkenness or violence.
• Imposing road safety laws in local communities.
• Conducting house-to-house enquiries to gather information and support larger enquiries.
• Taking part in police operations to disrupt and arrest offenders.

The must haves

• 17 1/2 years old on application and 18 years old on appointment.
• Must be a UK citizen, EU citizen with EU Settled or Pre Settled Status, a Commonwealth Citizen or foreign national with no restrictions on stay in the United Kingdom.
• In good health, and of good character.

The recruitment process

• National Sift (after National Sift, you will be asked to attend a mandatory webinar regarding the application process and role).
• Once attended the webinar, you will be sent the full application form.
• Assessment Centre
• Pre-employment Check

What’s in it for you?

At Derbyshire Constabulary, we aim to create an environment that puts people first. We want you to feel supported in everything you do, so you can give your very best. We have a range of rewards and benefits that you could enjoy by joining us.

Did you know about the Employer Supported Volunteer (ESV) Scheme? This could grant you up to 8 hours of paid leave per month to volunteer as a Special Constable. Please speak to your current employer to see if this is offered. For internal candidates, please check Connect.

Next steps

To find out more, register for our upcoming information webinars. You can also watch videos about the Special Constabulary to learn more about balancing volunteering with work and life in policing.

• Vacancy closes on Sunday, 1 March 2026 at 23:55.
• Assessment Centres will be held in March & April 2026.
• Cohort commences on 25 September 2026.

To support you with your application we have provided some guidance on our recruitment process. Learn more about being Special by visiting our careers page.

Who we are

Derbyshire Constabulary has a firm and unequivocal commitment to delivering a high-quality policing service for everyone in the county. By joining us you'll play a unique role in helping us keep Derbyshire a safe place to live and work. To understand how you can make Derbyshire safer together visit our careers website.

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and encourage anyone who has considered a career in policing to apply. We’re particularly keen to increase the number of females and candidates from black and minority ethnic communities and the LGBT community, so that we can truly reflect the communities that we serve.