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- Tasks: Serve as a volunteer police officer, supporting regular officers in community policing.
- Company: Join Merseyside Police, a top-performing urban force dedicated to community safety.
- Benefits: Flexible volunteering hours, gain valuable experience, and make a real impact in your community.
- Why this job: Experience the thrill of policing while helping improve lives and building community trust.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a passion for community service and commitment to training.
- Other info: Volunteer 16 hours a month after completing 12-15 weekends of training.
Are you passionate about working in the heart of our community? Would you be proud to offer a visible and accessible uniformed presence in the community, focusing on improving quality of life for the public? Then the role of a Special Constable may be the opportunity you have been looking for.
The Special Constabulary is a voluntary body, whose officers form a vital part of the police family, working alongside their regular colleagues to police the communities of Merseyside. Specials perform a variety of police duties to support regular officers with the day-to-day policing of Merseyside; they have the same powers as regular officers, wear the same uniform and carry the same equipment as regular officers.
People become a Special Constable for a variety of reasons and from different backgrounds. Some individuals have free time and have a desire to work with the community; or are happy in their present job but want to do something totally different in their spare time and only volunteer 16 hours per month. Others may have wanted to work in the police, and for different reasons have gone down a different career path. In all these circumstances, the Special Constabulary gives you the opportunity to have a second and fulfilling career. This is a great opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and gain experience in a wide range of policing duties.
To find out more about the role and hear from current Special Constables about their experience, please visit the Specials information page on our website.
Merseyside Police is a dynamic, challenging, and rewarding place to work: we take pride in everything we do. The best performing urban Force as graded by HMICFRS to date, our strategy is simply to put the communities of Merseyside first. We have a strong focus on continuous improvement in the areas we’re passionate about: ending Violence Against Women and Girls; tackling Serious Organised Crime and County Lines; strengthening our approach to Diversity and Inclusion; building trust and confidence through Community Engagement.
Our recruitment process consists of a number of stages and we are wishing to progress any new applicants for four set training start dates in the next financial year. Training consists of 12-15 weekends over a 26-28 week period and you will be required to commit to all dates. Dates will be given to you before your start date is confirmed. Once training is completed, you will only be required to volunteer 16 hours per month in your spare time.
The stages of our recruitment are below:
- Initial sift - Eligibility criteria can be found here
- College of Policing National Sift - Details can be found here
- In Force interview and assessment evaluating your values and behaviours aligned to the expected standards of a Special Constable
- Pre-employment checks which include fitness test, medical, biometrics and vetting
Join us and you’ll be on the ground, preventing crime and making a real difference to people’s lives. It’s not always easy, it’s not always predictable, but the sense of reward and excitement is like nothing else. Nothing beats being a Merseyside Special Constable.
Special Constable - Volunteer Police Officer in Liverpool employer: Merseyside Police
Contact Detail:
Merseyside Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Special Constable - Volunteer Police Officer in Liverpool
✨Tip Number 1
Get involved in your local community before applying. Attend community events, engage with local residents, and understand the issues they face. This will not only give you valuable insights but also demonstrate your commitment to community service during the recruitment process.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the values and priorities of Merseyside Police. Understanding their focus on diversity, inclusion, and community engagement will help you align your motivations with theirs, making you a more appealing candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current Special Constables or attend information sessions. Hearing firsthand experiences can provide you with insights into the role and help you articulate your passion for becoming a Special Constable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the physical fitness test by establishing a regular exercise routine. Being fit is crucial for the role, and showing that you are proactive about your fitness will reflect positively on your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Special Constable - Volunteer Police Officer in Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand what being a Special Constable entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and expectations outlined in the job description to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous volunteer work or community engagement experience. This will demonstrate your commitment to serving the community and your ability to work alongside others.
Showcase Your Values: Merseyside Police values diversity, inclusion, and community engagement. Make sure to reflect these values in your application by providing examples of how you have contributed to similar initiatives in the past.
Prepare for Assessments: Be ready for the interview and assessment stages by reviewing the expected standards of a Special Constable. Consider practicing common interview questions and scenarios that may be presented during the assessment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Merseyside Police
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what being a Special Constable entails. Familiarise yourself with the duties, responsibilities, and the impact you can have on the community. This will help you articulate your motivations during the interview.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a voluntary position, it's crucial to demonstrate your commitment to serving the community. Be prepared to discuss why you want to volunteer your time and how you plan to balance this role with your other commitments.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
As a Special Constable, you'll be working alongside regular officers and other volunteers. Highlight any previous experiences where you've successfully worked in a team, showcasing your ability to collaborate and support others in achieving common goals.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your values and behaviours. Think of examples from your past that demonstrate qualities such as integrity, resilience, and community spirit. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
