Special Constables
Become a Special Constable
Develop your Skills. Serve your Community. Be the Difference.
Are you ready to make a real difference? As a Special Constable, you’ll be at the heart of your community – protecting, supporting, and standing up for those who need it most. This is more than just volunteering. It’s a chance to be part of something bigger.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary is actively recruiting individuals from all walks of life who are ready to begin a rewarding role in policing. Whether you’re working in business, healthcare, education, trades, a stay at home parent or a student, your life experience is invaluable.
Join Our Special Constabulary Awareness Event
Not sure if becoming a Special Constable is right for you? That’s exactly why you should come along. There’s no pressure and no commitment – just a friendly space to ask questions, meet the team, and explore whether the role could be a good fit.
You might already have what we’re looking for
Communication, empathy, problem‑solving, staying calm under pressure – if these sound like you, you could be ready to make a real difference. Special Constables play a vital role in protecting and supporting their communities, and most people already have the core skills to get started.
What to Expect
✔️ Learn what the role involves and the impact you can make
✔️ Get guidance on the application and interview process
✔️ Hear real stories from serving Special Constables
✔️ Understand the journey from training to Independent Patrol Status
✔️ Meet the people who will support you throughout your volunteering
✔️ Explore how the role can help you grow, give back, or take steps toward a policing career
Event Details
⏰ Saturday 11th April 2026
📍 Police Training HQ, Hamble Lane, Netley, Southampton, SO31 4TS
This is your chance to discover what being a Special Constable is really like – with no obligation, just information and inspiration. Sign up here:
Special Constabulary Recruitment Event – Saturday 11th April 2026
Being a Special Constable is one of the most rewarding, challenging, and diverse volunteer roles you’ll ever experience. You’ll wear the same uniform, carry the same powers, and face the same challenges as regular officers – making a genuine impact every time you step out on duty.
While the role is unpaid, the rewards are life-changing:
- Experience that builds confidence and resilience
- Transferable skills that enhance your career, including:
- Communication & negotiation
- Adaptability & problem solving
- Conflict resolution
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Decision-making under pressure
- Emotional intelligence
- Purpose & Fulfilment: Help protect communities, support vulnerable people, and solve real problems.
- The chance to give back to your community.
- You’ll also form strong bonds with fellow officers – friendships that often last a lifetime.
Whether you’re responding to 999 calls, patrolling neighbourhoods, or helping keep major events safe, every shift brings new experiences and the chance to grow.
As a Special Constable, you’ll hold full police powers, and no two shifts will ever be the same. The wide range of incidents, operations, and community events make this a varied and fulfilling volunteer role. You could:
- Respond to Emergencies: Attend incidents where your quick thinking and problem-solving will be vital in making a difference.
- Investigate Crimes: Arrest suspects, collect evidence, and work with victims and witnesses to achieve justice.
- Engage with Communities: Build trust and maintain relationships with diverse communities to identify and solve local issues.
- Tackle New Challenges: Adapt to an ever-changing criminal landscape, including cybercrime, fraud, and organised crime.
One day you might be helping a vulnerable person in crisis, the next you could be part of a high-visibility operation to deter crime.
Due to the nature of the role, the journey is thorough, but you won’t go through it alone, we’re here to help. We’ll guide you every step of the way. From your first enquiry to your first shift, we’ll make sure you have the information and support you need to succeed.
Here’s what the process looks like:
As a Special Constable, you’ll have access to exciting long-term opportunities. After you’ve gained some experience, you can be promoted through the ranks — from Special Sergeant to Special Superintendent – taking on leadership roles within the team.
You can also apply to join specialist units, including:
- Roads Policing
- CountryWatch Rural Crime Taskforce
- Search Team
- Investigations
- Marine Unit
- Cyber
Whether you’re looking to develop new skills or take on greater responsibility, your journey as a Special can lead to a wide range of rewarding paths.
If you’ve served as a regular officer or Special Constable within the last 5 years, we offer a bespoke re-joining process. You will still need to complete an application form and attend our assessment centre, but your training will be bespoke and tailored to your needs.
To discuss this further, please email specialsrecruitment@hampshire.police.uk
Employer Supported Policing (ESP) is a partnership scheme in which employers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight allow their staff to train and patrol as special constables. Employers provide paid leave for some of the minimum 16 hours that special constables are required to contribute.
Allowing staff to become Special Constables offers huge benefits to the organisations in terms of staff development – benefits that cannot be bought commercially. Transferable skills include communicating and negotiating effectively, staying calm under pressure, problem solving, decision making, team building, leadership and management and responsibility.
There are a number of employers that operate in the Hampshire area that offer ESP to their staff, these include;
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary
Ministry of Defence
Red Driving School
Babcock International
ACRO Criminal Records Office
Marks & Spencer
Solent Stevedores Ltd
University of Portsmouth
University of Southampton
UK Power Networks
HM Prison Service
For more information about ESP, please email special.constables@hampshire.police.uk
To chat to the Specials Team for more information please email: specialsrecruitment@hampshire.police.uk.
To apply for the Special Officer Role please contact the Police Recruitment Team at: police.recruitment@hampshire.police.uk or call 023 8045 1611.
Questions about becoming a Special Constable?
Discover your role in the Special Constabulary
Are you considering a position within the Special Constabulary? We encourage all prospective applicants to attend one of our awareness sessions – either virtual or in person, prior to submitting an application.
These sessions offer a valuable chance to:
- Learn more about the duties and responsibilities of Special Constables
- Ask any questions you may have
- Receive guidance on the recruitment process
We’re excited to meet you and support you on your journey into this rewarding role
Meet some of Hampshire and the Isle Wight Special Constables
Special Constable
Read about Kelly, a Special Constable of 4 years, in the South of Hampshire.
Special Sergeant
Read about Roger’s special policing career after transferring from the MET, and his life as an Isle of Wight resident.