Police Officer

Special Police Constable (Unpaid Voluntary Role) Feb 2027

Special Constable
Local Policing Areas Prevention and Community Protection
Northamptonshire

- salary will be pro rata for part time contracts.

06/09/2026, 23:55

* The hiring manager reserves the right to close the advert prior to the closing date, depending on the level of applications
Becoming a Special Constable really is one of the most exciting, rewarding voluntary opportunities available. Special Constabularies are a vital part of all Police Forces across the country, supporting and enhancing the work of regular police officers.
Special Constables volunteer their spare time for 16 hours per month. They have the same powers as regular police officers and play an essential role in preventing, reducing and tackling crime and keeping the communities of Northamptonshire safe.
Special Constables are Volunteer Police Officers with all the same powers as a full-time Constable. They come from all walks of life, supporting and enhancing the work of regular police officers in their community.

Special Constables are part-time, voluntary police officers with all the same powers as full-time regular police officers. They come from all walks of life and join us for a variety of reasons. Becoming a Special Constable really is one of the most exciting and rewarding voluntary opportunities available.

Special Constabularies are a vital part of all Police Forces across the country, supporting and enhancing the work of regular police officers. At Northamptonshire Police, we recognise the immense value that Special Constables add.

We want people to join us, help make a difference and make our county a safer place. Special Constables are expected to volunteer a minimum 16hrs a month / 200 hours a year but many do a lot more. 

The recruitment process will consist of:- 

  • College of Policing Online National Sift 
  • Assessment by Interview based on the Competency Values Framework
  • In person assessment centre inc. Group Exercise & Fitness Test to level 5.4 on 15m Beep Test
  • Pre-Appointment Checks (Vetting, Medical, Drug Testing, Biometrics & uniform fitting)

The training for Special Constables will primarily be at weekends with some evening online webinars - you will be provided a training schedule should you pass assessment centre. 

Due to the nature of Policing, Candidates should have a reasonable operational standard of English (conversational & written) & Maths, ideally at least level 2/GCSE.

If you do not have a Driving License but wish to still apply to become a Special Constable please contact the citizens in policing team by email CiP@northants.police.uk

Unfortunately we are unable to accept those who work in security, custody (including prisons) or hold an SIA, alcohol or gaming licence as a Special Constable. 

Please contact the CIP team if you have any concerns regarding your day job conflicting with holding the office and powers of a Special Constable. 

 

Why work for Us?
Northamptonshire Police has real heart. We’re a county force tackling big-city issues, and everyone in our policing family, from frontline officers to police staff, has a part to play in serving our communities by fighting crime and protecting people. If you want an exciting career that offers variety, job satisfaction and the chance to develop and challenge yourself, while improving the lives of others, and all within an organisation that’s forward-thinking and innovative, you’ll find it with us.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

We are working hard to increase diversity and inclusion within the organisations where communities are under-represented, including those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, people of all ages, abilities, faiths, religions and gender, LGBTQ communities and those from other disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds, who share our values and wish to make a difference to the communities we serve.

Northamptonshire Police/OPFCC is a Disability Confident Employer – We aim to achieve the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. If you meet the essential criteria for the role you can choose to share your disability if you would like to take part in our disability confident interview scheme.

All applications will be treated on merit, based on the evidence provided in your application and suitability for the role you have applied for.

Flexible working

All requests for flexible working patterns will be considered and will be dependent on the role.

Recruitment and Selection Policy

Internal applicants who are at risk of redundancy or in need of redeployment and pass the selection process, will be offered the role over the remaining internal and external applicants.

Internal applicants must have line manager support prior to proceeding with an application.

Please be aware that the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and Northamptonshire Police are separate employers.  Although Police internal vacancies are open to OPFCC staff and vice versa, if you are successful, the change of employer will require a longer onboarding process and you will receive a new contract and payroll number.  Service with either employer can be carried over as continuous service.

Police Barred and Advisory lists

Individuals placed on the Police Barred and Advisory lists will not be considered for employment by the Police and OPFCC for a minimum of 5 years from the date of listing in the case of gross misconduct, or 3 years from the date of listing in the case of poor performance.

Vetting and safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and operate safer recruitment processes, to ensure the organisations employees are proud to work for because they feel safe, valued and part of a happy and supportive work environment. All employees and volunteers therefore will be subject to background checks including vetting and references.

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to referral to disciplinary action.

 

Please note, you will require the following detail to complete this application form; NI Number, ID detail, address information, referee information, full employment history including dates and any qualifications you may have attained.  You may also be requested to provide photos of any visible tattoos you have. The application system only remains active on a single page for a period of 60 minutes. Please therefore ensure you allow time to complete this fully as part complete pages will not be saved.