Special constables

Each shift helps strengthen relationships between the public and our force. You’ll be giving your time and skillset to your county, and you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about your community from a whole new perspective. You’ll also:

• Gain confidence.
• Develop problem-solving expertise.
• Enhance your teamwork skills.
• Have opportunities to learn and grow.
• Gain a competitive advantage for your CV in the wider employment market.
• Widen your life experiences.

Our dynamic team embraces tolerance, trust, empathy, openness, patience and teamwork. The force’s many staff networking groups promote belonging, safety, inclusivity and make sure our people’s voices are heard. To reflect and protect the communities we serve, we employ individuals from all backgrounds and experiences, and actively promote equality, diversity and inclusivity. To find out more about our culture visit our Inclusion page.

If you’re able to spare the time and are confident, trustworthy, compassionate and passionate about our county, you’re who we’re looking for to help keep Sussex safe. Not only will the time you give directly care for our community, but you’ll also find your shifts incredibly rewarding, and at times exciting. You’ll be the face of our force, and the public will know you’re helping to reduce crime, disorder and fear in our county.

It’s not all blue lights and car chases. You’ll be there for people in times of need. Sometimes you won’t finish your shift on time, but you’ll have been supporting victims and witnesses, dealing with accidents and incidents, attending public events, acting on emergency calls and antisocial behaviour, interviewing suspects, collecting evidence, helping change perceptions of the police and much more. You’ll be part of a fast-paced 24/7 environment where no two shifts are ever the same, and at the end of it, you’ll go home knowing you’ve helped protect people from harm acting as the change you wanted to see.

We don’t currently offer an intensive training course, but is something we’re looking into. We’ll train you to use the same powers as regular police constables, which means a lot to learn! You’ll complete a part time pre-join course that runs over 15 alternate weekends and 13 evenings. Full course dates are available on request via email at [email protected].

After this, you’ll continue your probation with the Professional Development Unit. We’ll expect you to commit at least 16 hours a month for the rest of your service. Unfortunately, due to the amount of learning required, there’s no flexibility for missing days, so please keep this in mind when applying. 

To join us as a Special Constable, you’ll need to pass through a thorough selection process.

Stage one – you fill out an application form and we’ll check your personal details and that you’re eligible.

Stage two – online assessments use a combination of behaviour style questions and situational judgment tests so we can measure your typical behaviour and preferences at work. With the situation judgment test, your judgment and decision-making skills in relation to job relevant situations will be assessed. You don’t need prior knowledge of policing policies and procedures to respond to the scenarios.

Stage three – in-force interviews will take place at Sussex Police HQ in Lewes, Sussex.

Stage four – we pre-employment checks including medical, vetting, references, biometric vetting, substance misuse testing and a fitness test. 

A successfully submitted application will receive an email to your registered email address. If you’ve submitted an application but haven’t received a notification, please first check your Spam/Junk folder before emailing [email protected] providing your full name, telephone number and the date you submitted your application.

If you have questions about the recruitment process, entry requirements, training, or progression get in touch. You can meet us at one of our recruitment events, email [email protected] or book a 1:1 recruitment call.

To apply for the role, you will:

• Be aged 18 years or over when applying. There is no upper age limit.
• You will undertake a skills test which will assess your Maths and English level; you will need to achieve Level 2 (GSSE) standard. If you hold a Maths and/or English GCSE (A*-C/ 9-4) or equivalent level 2 qualification, you will be able to bypass the relevant assessment.
• Have lived in the UK for three continuous years, immediately prior to application.
• Have leave to enter or leave to remain and work in the UK for an indefinite period.
• Not be a current or previous member of a proscribed terrorist organisation or group
• Be able to volunteer at least 16 hours a month.
• Not have tattoos which can be seen as discriminatory, violent or intimidating or could be offensive.
• Not have six penalty points or more on your driving licence (you do not need a driving license to apply).
• There are a number of jobs that are considered incompatible with the role of special constable. To be sure that your current employment will not prevent your application from proceeding please see below or contact us on [email protected].

There are a number of jobs that are considered incompatible with the role of special constable. To be sure that your current employment will not prevent your application from proceeding please check the precluded occupations list:

• Serving members of HM Armed Forces.
• Members of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force.
• Royal Naval Auxiliary Service.
• The National Hospital Service Reserve.
• Members of the fire service, unless written permission is given by their Chief Officer.
• Traffic wardens and school crossing patrols.
• Members of employers’ police forces and private constabularies.
• Magistrates.
• Clerks to justices and clerks to courts.
• Probation officers.
• Youth workers and social workers involved in the administration of criminal law.
• Bailiffs, warrant officers, private detectives and inquiry agents.
• Custody escort officers.
• Security personnel, guards and doormen.
• Anyone working for a security company.
• Employees of security organisations.
• Neighbourhood and street wardens and other uniformed patrol wardens.
• Police Community Support Officers.
• Prison custody officers (Prison Officers are eligible, but only with written permission from their Prison Governor).
• A local authority parking warden.
• Persons taking an active part in politics.
• Highways Agency Traffic Officers (and traffic officers who are employed by other organisations, such as Vehicle and Operators Services Agency).
• Border and immigration officers with powers of arrest.
• Customs Officers.
• Barristers, solicitors and judges.
• Members of police authorities.
• Transport network revenue protection inspectors.
• Local Authority field officers e.g. trading standards officers.
• Civilian enforcement officers.
• Vehicle removal officers.

We’re committed to diversity in the workforce and welcome applications from everyone in the community; particularly people from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) and white other backgrounds. We also encourage applications from women, the LGBT community and people with disabilities.

I don’t have a level 2 qualification in English and Maths, what can I do?

If you don’t have this you can undertake a skills test which will assess your Maths and English level – if you meet the Level 2 standard your application will be allowed to continue. You will be contacted about undertaking this test during the recruitment process.

Am I too old to apply?

There is no upper age limit to becoming a special constable.

I’m not a British Citizen, can I still apply?

Yes. You can as long as you are an EEA National or a Swiss National. Commonwealth Citizens and Foreign Nationals are required to have leave to enter or leave to remain in the UK for an indefinite period and unrestricted permission to work in the UK.

Do I need a degree to apply?

No, you do not need a degree.

Do I need a driving licence?

You do not need a driving licence to become a special constable.

What if I have motoring offences?

We assess motoring offences on an individual basis. However, if you have more than six penalty points then you will not be eligible to apply.

If I have a disability, can I still apply?

We welcome applications from people with disabilities. If you consider yourself to have a disability, please inform us within your application form of the type of reasonable adjustments you might need to assist you in participating in the recruitment and selection process.

I have a medical condition, is that an issue?

Every candidate is individually assessed. Those with pre-existing medical conditions may be asked to provide additional medical evidence to support their application. The below acts as a mere guide to answer your initial questions.

Asthma - You will be individually assessed. Individuals with asthma that is well controlled with inhalers are usually acceptable.

Diabetes - Your blood-sugar levels need to be well controlled and you need to be able to adapt to the demands of the job such as varying shifts and meal times. You will be asked to provide evidence that your diabetes is well controlled.

Epilepsy - It is recommended that you have not experienced a seizure for at least 18 months (with or without medication) before you apply and have a full driving license

Stress, Anxiety or Depression - These roles are front-line and public facing, requiring the ability to deal with the public in a wide range of situations as well as exposing you to potentially upsetting incidents. A high level of emotional resilience is required to undertake this work. It is recommended that you have been stable and well for at least 1 year before you apply.

Dyslexia  - We are able to support reasonable adjustments if you have a report confirming your condition. For police officers this report must be carried out as an adult. Support is available during training and in the workplace.

Severe Allergy - Most allergies are compatible with these roles, but if you have a severe allergy (including a history of collapse or breathing difficulties) we may require further information to establish your fitness for role.

Any type of blood clotting disorder which requires medication such as Warfarin - We may require further information to establish your fitness for role.

What does the medical involve?

To ensure you are fit for the role we ask you to undergo a fitness test and an individual medical assessment. Your medical assessment will take place with the Sussex Police Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service under strict confidence. Disabilities will be assessed taking into account the Equality Act 2010 and recommendations regarding reasonable adjustments made where appropriate. If you have a health problem, or recently had a lot of time off, we may need to see a copy of any relevant medical records, such as specialist reports, test results or a note from your doctor. You will not be able to proceed until we have received your GP report and optician test results

I wear glasses/contact lenses, can I apply?

A general level of eyesight is required to ensure you are able to carry out your role safely while driving police vehicles, taking accurate statements and relaying evidence in court. DVLA guidelines apply together with eyesight standards from the College of Policing. Corrected distance visual acuity must be 6/12 in the better eye and 6/6 or better binocularly. A field-of-view of at least 120 degrees horizontally by 100 degrees vertically is required. Those with monocular vision should be able to reach the visual field requirements and 6/6 corrected vision in their eye and be subject to a risk assessment by the organisation. Corrected near static visual acuity must be 6/9 or better binocularly. Glasses and contact lenses are both acceptable. Seeing a qualified optician every few years is a good way to ensure your eyes are healthy. For Special Constables we ask you to see a qualified optician prior to your medical appointment.

I am colour blind, can I apply?

Mild colour vision deficiencies are not generally a problem but you might not be able to progress into some specialist roles, such as roads policing officer or Taser/firearms officer. Unfortunately, if your colour vision deficiency is monochrome you are not eligible to apply

What if I have hearing issues?

A good level of hearing is required to ensure you are able to carry out your role safely, to be able to document and relay what you have heard in a potentially crowded and noisy environment whilst also listening to your personal radio. Each ear individually for low frequencies (0.5+1+2) should be below 84 dB and for high frequencies (3+4+ 6) below 123 dB. Hearing aids are acceptable as long as they correct your hearing to adequate levels. Ensure you protect your ears from loud noise, e.g. when listening to music either live or through headphones or when riding a motorbike but also if you work in an environment that exposes you to loud noise such as drills or firearms.  Avoid exposure to loud noise and flying the days prior to your medical.

Is there a specific weight / BMI I need to be?

Being overweight affects your overall health and puts you at increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. It can also affect your joints and might make it harder for you to achieve the fitness levels required for your role. Equally, being underweight can mean that you lack muscle mass to ensure adequate fitness levels. During your medical appointment your BMI will be calculated and used as a guide to assess your health risks and fitness levels. A BMI in the healthy to overweight range is desirable, if your BMI is above 35 for Specials we will also assess your body composition and you might be deferred unless your body fat percentage is below 30% for men or 36% for women. Your best option is to ensure a healthy balanced diet and regular moderate exercise to ensure your own personal health and wellbeing as well as fitness for your role in policing. Check your BMI at www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight and assess your diet with the 'eatwell plate guide' www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/the-eatwell-guide.

I don’t think that I am fit enough for the fitness test?

We understand that some people may feel nervous when it comes to the fitness test, however you don’t need to be a professional athlete to succeed.

What does vetting entail?

We will carry out security checks on you and your:

• Spouse/Partner
• Father/Stepfather/Mother’s partner
• Mother/Stepmother/Father’s partner
• Brothers/Sisters (full/half/step)
• Children/Children of your partner (only those aged 10 years and over)
• Any other adult living at your address
• Financial circumstances
• Social media accounts

Do you ask for references?

We'll ask for references from each of your previous employers and/or educational establishments for the last five years. Any gaps in employment will need to be explained and verified. If you haven't been in employment for five years, we'll ask for a character or educational reference.

What if I have a relative who has convictions?

If your friends or family members have criminal convictions, you must disclose this when asked on your vetting application. Your application will not be automatically rejected and consideration will be given on a case-by-case basis.

Can I still apply if I have a criminal record?

Applications will be rejected in all cases where:

• Offences were committed as an adult or juvenile which resulted in a prison sentence (including custodial, suspended or deferred sentence and sentences served at a young offenders’ institution or community home)
• The applicant is a registered sex offender or is subject to a registration requirement in respect of any other conviction.

For all other convictions or cautions, there is a rebuttable presumption that they should be rejected. In particular, the following would result in rejection: offences where vulnerable people were targeted; offences motivated by hate or discrimination; domestic abuse offences. Although the rebuttable presumption is that these should lead to rejection, there will be cases where this may disproportionate in the circumstances. For instance, where the offence was committed as a juvenile, it was not serious and the individual has demonstrated a commitment to help individuals or communities in the subsequent years. In these cases, vetting acceptable may be justified.

Do I have to declare if I was arrested but not charged?

Yes. You must declare if you have ever been subject to a criminal investigation whether or not this led to a prosecution. Failure to make such declarations will lead to your application being rejected.

What if I have been bankrupt?

You can still apply but only if it is three years after bankruptcy debts have been discharged.

How about County Court Judgments (CCJ)?

If the judgement has been discharged then you can be considered however if you have an existing judgement your application will be rejected.

I have an Independent Voluntary Agreement (IVA), can I still apply?

Applicants with current IVA’s will be considered. However, you will be required to show that there is an IVA repayment plan in place and that you’ve maintained regular payments over a significant number of months.

Do I have the right to work in the UK?

Your right to work in the UK depends on your immigration status - this is also called your ‘leave’. If you don’t have the right to work, you might be able to apply for it.

You automatically have the right to work in the UK if:

• you’re a British or Irish citizen.
• you have pre-settled or settled status from the EU Settlement Scheme - or you’ve applied and you’re waiting for a decision.
• you have a family permit from the EU Settlement Scheme.
• you have indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK.
• you have right of abode in the UK.

You might have a right to work in the UK if you have a visa with a time limit. This is called having 'limited leave to enter or remain’. 

If you entered the UK illegally or your leave has ended, you don’t have the right to work in the UK.

How do I prove my right to work in the UK?

You might be able to prove your right to work online or by showing your employer certain documents. Any document you show your employer must be:

• valid - you can’t use a document that’s expired unless it’s a British or Irish passport.
• the original document - you can’t use a copy, however you can use a replacement birth certificate if you have lost the original.
• If your document is expiring soon and you’ve applied to extend your leave, you can still prove your right to work. You might need to use a different document or ask your employer to contact the Home Office Employer Checking Service (ECS) - it depends what kind of leave you have.

For further information about Right to work in the UK, please refer to the gov.uk website.

How can I contact you if I have more questions?

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact us via email at [email protected].