Special Constable FAQs
Am I eligible to apply for the role of Special Constable?
Our eligibility criteria is detailed in full in Am I eligible? However if you have any questions which we have not answered, please feel free to contact us directly.
Am I too old to become a Special Constable?
There is no upper limit (minimum age limit 18), as long as you are physically fit and able to pass a medical and fitness test. You can find more information on this on our ‘Am I eligible?’ page.
I am employed by Dyfed-Powys Police in a police staff role, can I apply to be a Special Constable?
You are eligible to apply to become a Special Constable unless you are in a PCSO role or other Police Staff role where there would be potential for a conflict in duties. When applying for the role you must inform your line manager.
What is the recruitment process?
- An on-line application process which entails several on-line tests and an application form. All tests must be successfully completed before you can complete the application form.
- Force Interview
- Fitness and Biometric testing
- Medical and Vetting
- Employer References
For more information, see 'The Recruitment Process' section of our website.
Please note every application is different therefore the recruitment process can take between 6 - 9 months to complete.
If I have a disability, can I still apply?
Dyfed-Powys Police welcomes applications from people with disabilities.
If you consider yourself to have a disability, please inform us of the type of adjustments you might need to assist you in participating in the recruitment and selection process. Dyfed-Powys Police will try to make the reasonable adjustments required where practicable.
Can I join if I have a criminal record?
You may still be eligible to join the police service if you have minor convictions/cautions, but there are certain offences and conditions that will make you ineligible.
Can I join if I have tattoos?
Tattoos are not a bar to appointment. However, some tattoos could potentially offend members of the public or colleagues, or could bring discredit to the Police Service. For full information please refer to the ‘Am I eligible?’ Section.
I have diabetes, can I still apply?
Yes, as long as your diabetes is under control. Your doctor will need to supply a medical report for clarification.
Can you become a Special Constable if you wear glasses or contact lenses?
If you successfully reach the medical examination stage of recruitment, you will have to undergo an eye test. New recruits must have at least 6/12 vision in their right or left eye, or at least 6/6 vision in both eyes. Those who wear glasses, spectacles or contact lenses must have at least 6/36 vision in both eyes without wearing their glasses, spectacles or contact lenses.
Will my financial status affect my application?
Applicants will have their financial status checked. These checks are carried out because police officers/staff have access to privileged information, which may make them vulnerable to corruption.
Applicants with outstanding County Court judgements or who have been registered bankrupt with outstanding debts will be rejected.
Is there a height restriction?
No, there is no minimum or maximum height.
What do the application on-line tests consist of?
There are 2 tests that every applicant must complete (regardless of qualifications), these are a Situational Judgement test and a Behavioural Style Questionnaire. Both of these must be passed in order to continue in the application process.
If you successfully complete the above tests, however fail in a part of the recruitment process, you will not be required to retake these tests again, should you wish to re-apply.
Can I decide to withdraw from the recruitment process at any point?
The short answer is yes, you can. Policing is an exciting but equally challenging role, which is not for everyone. However, we do ask that all prospective police officers fully consider these challenges and their suitability before submitting their application.
If I fail at any point during the recruitment process, can I re-sit?
If you fail at any point in the process, the Force will notify you. While it is not possible to complete a re-sit, it will be possible to re-apply within six months following notification.
What is the Special Constabulary?
The Special Constabulary is the UK’s voluntary police service, and Special Constables patrol their local areas with full police powers. Special Constables play a pivotal role in safeguarding our communities and giving something back to society whilst gaining additional skills.
You will wear the same uniform as regular Police Officer except epaulettes with be marked with SC (Special Constable).
How much time do I need to volunteer?
A minimum of 16 hours per month. There is no maximum amount you can dedicate.
Most of our Specials volunteer around their day job.
Can I choose what station to work from?
You will be provided with a station posting on your unconditional offer letter. If you have a preference, you may raise this with the recruitment team but this is dependent on the capacity of the policing team you have requested to join.
Will I be involved with Operations and events?
Yes, as a special constable you are an important resource and therefore will be utilised in many ways, which may include your involvement in local operations and force initiatives.
What training is provided?
All training will be provided by our Learning and Development team. We offer an exciting timetable of courses/inputs that will prepare you for your first shift as a Special Constable with Dyfed-Powys Police. Initial training takes approximately 6 months with two weekends of training each month at Police Headquarters Carmarthen supported by sessions delivered online and self-study workbooks.
In order to join the online sessions and complete the self-study learning you will need access to a computer or internet enabled device. There will be a requirement that some learning is done remotely in your own time. When training at headquarters, accommodation can be provided for students whose home address is over 30 miles.
You must be available to attend the training weekends from Friday 2pm - Sunday 5pm.
Once initial training has been completed you will patrol with experienced officers as you start the ‘Accompanied Patrol’ stage to develop you as an officer.
How much will I get paid?
Special Constables are volunteer police officers. Although you won't be paid, your training and duties will give you unique experiences, new and valuable skills, plus a tremendous sense of achievement of doing something worthwhile for your community. We pay expenses so you will not be out of pocket for giving your time to Dyfed-Powys Police.
Will I have to go to court?
Should you make an arrest as a Special Constable and the case is later taken to court you may have to attend court to either give evidence or to be a witness.
Would I be insured if I was injured on duty?
Yes, you would be covered by Dyfed-Powys Police’s insurance if you were injured whilst on duty as a volunteer police officer.
Does being a Special Constable help me become a Police Officer?
Being a Special Constable will enable you to experience all aspects of police work and gain a wealth of professional knowledge. There are promotion prospects within the Specials through their own rank structure. However, time served as a Special will not guarantee a position as a regular officer and you will need to complete the normal application process. Special Constables who apply to the police officer process would need to complete 18months service as a Special Constable before being appointed.
I am a current Special Constable, can I transfer?
Of course, we welcome applications from current serving Special Constables looking to transfer to Dyfed-Powys Police. For more information, please see the ‘Transferring Special Constables’ section.
Who can I contact if I have a specific question?
Please do not hesitate to contact the recruitment team via email at [email protected] if you have any questions.