Special Constable
Kent Police
Volunteer Police Officer.
Special constables are volunteer police officers. They take part in frontline police work and wear the same uniform, carry the same equipment and hold the same power of arrest as regular police officers. As a special constable you'll make a positive difference to the people of Kent supporting regular police officers, undertaking patrols and investigating reports of crime. The most important part of your job will be to protect life and ensure public safety, but you'll also build relationships with local communities, prevent and detect crime, support victims and witnesses and keep people safe.
Legal
UK Driving Licence, Managing People, Talking To Others, Negotiating, Listening, Teamwork
We are proud of the training and support we provide to our special constables. You will receive high quality training, build valuable skills, and gain experience that you can use both in policing and in everyday life. You will develop skills such as confidence, communication, teamwork, decision making, time management and staying calm under pressure. You will also learn about the law and how policing works in practice. As you progress, there are opportunities for promotion and for developing into different specialisms once you achieve Directed Patrol Status. Training includes classroom learning, practical scenarios, drills, fitness sessions and exams. It is hands-on and challenging, but you will be fully supported throughout. The programme also builds the seven core skills required of every police officer: customer focus, effective communication, personal responsibility, problem solving, resilience, respect for diversity and teamwork. You will work towards the Special Constables Learning Programme, which is part of the Policing Education Qualifications Framework.
Becoming a special constable offers many benefits for both personal and professional development. People look to police officers for direction in stressful situations and taking charge of incidents will give you confidence and assertiveness which you can bring to your workplace. Three quarters of volunteers say volunteering has made them feel physically healthier and lowered their stress levels which not only benefit you, but your community too.
You can choose between two types of training: weekend training or an intensive five‑week course. When you apply, we will ask you which option you would like to join. If you are committed to taking on this challenging but rewarding role, you will need to complete a minimum of 16 hours policing each month. You can volunteer at times which fit around your life and commitments – we can make your shifts work for you.
ME15 9BZ
Special constables serve across the whole of Kent. We will always do our best to accommodate your preferred location.
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