At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the police force as a special constable and make a real difference in your community.
- Company: Be part of Sussex Police, dedicated to keeping communities safe.
- Benefits: Gain valuable skills, training, and experience while volunteering.
- Other info: Diverse team environment with support for all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Use your spare time to help others and gain unique experiences.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, have GCSE English or equivalent, and commit to 16 hours monthly.
You will be trained to use the same powers as regular police constables - there will be a lot for you to learn. Successful applicants will be expected to complete an initial training course over 15 alternative weekends and 13 weekday evenings. After this, you will complete operational training on Divisional where you will be expected to volunteer a minimum of 16 hours a month.
We really welcome your interest in joining our Police Force. It is a privilege to lead the teams in Surrey Police and Sussex Police who continuously work selflessly and tirelessly in order to keep people in our counties safe. We are looking for talented and inspirational people who put the needs of the public at the heart of everything that they do and who want to make a difference. If you feel you are that person then we want to hear from you. We wish you all the very best with your application.
The Role & Key Responsibilities
You already have a career you love - now you want a different challenge in your spare time. As a special constable officer you'll have the same uniform and powers as regular officers. From being first on the scene and taking knives off the streets to educating young people, you'll be working alongside regular police officers and PCSOs to make Sussex safer.
Our 'Specials', as the special constables are known, come from all walks of life. Specials are men and women of all races and faiths. They're teachers, chefs, accountants and secretaries and they all volunteer a minimum of 16 hours a month. When you join Sussex Police, you become part of our policing family - we are with you each step of the way.
Skills & Experience
- Be aged 18 years or over when applying. There is no upper age limit.
- Hold a GCSE or equivalent (A-C) in English. If you don't have this you can undertake a skills test which will assess your English level – if you meet the Level 2 standard your application will be allowed to continue.
- 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 at recruitment@sussex.police.uk.
Diversity Statement
We are only as good as our people. It's important that our officers and staff can be themselves in the workplace and we know that as an organisation we'll grow from the variety of thinking, approach, and the skills that diversity brings; all of which help us to deliver a better policing service. We strive to ensure how we deliver our services, provide information and how we recruit is open and accessible to all.
We have multiple staff support groups who help to improve our understanding of minority issues and ensure they are reflected in our work. We are proud members of Disability Confident, hold Race Equality Matters Trailblazer status, are a signatory of the Race at Work Charter and are aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and the HeForShe movement.
We are committed to being an anti-racist police service. We promise to challenge injustice, ensure fairness and to uphold anti-racist principles in both our organisation and our communities. We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities. Regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, social status, or religious belief, we would love to hear from you.
Location: Multiple Locations (see advert)
Expression of Interest - Special Constable in London employer: Sussex Police
Joining Sussex Police as a Special Constable offers a unique opportunity to serve your community while developing valuable skills in law enforcement. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the organisation fosters a supportive work culture where every individual is valued, and you will receive comprehensive training alongside regular officers. This role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact in your spare time but also provides pathways for personal growth and community engagement in the beautiful counties of Surrey and Sussex.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Expression of Interest - Special Constable in London
✨Connect with Local Community Projects
Get involved with local community service projects or government initiatives that align with your interests. This will not only give you hands-on experience but also help you build connections within the public sector that might lead to volunteer opportunities at places like Sussex Police.
✨Check Online Portals and Local Councils
Many government organisations post their volunteer roles on specific online portals or their official sites. Keep an eye on the careers section of Sussex Police's website and your local council’s page to find roles that resonate with you.
✨Get Involved in Public Sector Events
Look for local events, town hall meetings, or public forums where you can meet professionals from the public sector. Engaging in conversations at these events can spot volunteer opportunities and even lead to future roles within Sussex Police.
✨Network with Fellow Volunteers
Join groups or forums focused on volunteering in your area. Not only will you be able to share experiences, but you might also come across insider info about upcoming roles at Sussex Police or other related organisations. It's all about who you know!
We think you need these skills to ace Expression of Interest - Special Constable in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Community Involvement:Volunteering in the government and public sector is all about making a difference in your community. Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or community projects you’ve been involved in on your CV. We want to see how passionate you are about serving the public and what initiatives you've taken to create positive change.
Emphasise Transferable Skills:In the public sector, skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving are golden. Highlight any experiences where you've demonstrated these skills, even if they were in a non-public sector role. We appreciate real-world examples that show your ability to connect with people and work collaboratively towards common goals.
Craft a Purposeful Cover Letter:Since you're applying for a volunteer role, your cover letter should reflect your motivation and commitment to helping others. Use this opportunity to express your passion for public service and any specific issues or groups you’re excited to support. Let's see your reason for wanting to join our cause at Sussex Police!
Show Your Availability:When you're volunteering, we need to know how much time you can commit. Be clear about your availability and any other commitments you might have. This will help us understand how you can best fit into our team at Sussex Police. Let’s make sure you can be the mighty force we need on the ground!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sussex Police
✨Know Your Community
For a volunteer role in the public sector, it’s super important to understand the community or area you’ll be serving. Reflect on local issues and initiatives that affect residents. This shows your interest and awareness, which can set you apart during the interview with Sussex Police.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment
Volunteering is about service – be ready to discuss why you want to contribute to the public sector. Share any past experiences of community involvement or projects that demonstrate your dedication. Be honest about your motivations; passion goes a long way in volunteer roles.
✨Familiarity with Policies
Brush up on basic policies or regulations relevant to the public sector. Familiarity with how these impact community services can be a big plus. You might be asked situational questions where your understanding of these matters might help, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Bring Your Soft Skills
In a volunteer role, soft skills are key. Think of examples that showcase your teamwork, empathy, and communication skills. Since we’re dealing with people from various backgrounds, your ability to connect and collaborate is crucial, so be ready with stories that highlight these abilities.
