At a Glance
- Tasks: Volunteer as a Special Constable to fight crime and protect your community.
- Company: Join the Surrey and Sussex Police Force, dedicated to serving the public.
- Benefits: Gain valuable skills, experience, and receive travel reimbursements while volunteering.
- Other info: Enjoy continuous training, professional development, and access to well-being support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing transferable skills.
- Qualifications: Commitment, integrity, and resilience are essential; clear communication skills are a must.
Are you ready to take on a unique and rewarding challenge? As a Special Constable, you’ll volunteer alongside our police constables to fight crime, protect people and build trust within our communities. This is more than just a volunteer role - it’s your chance to make a real impact while gaining valuable skills, experience and a sense of pride that comes from serving others.
Following completion of your initial training course, we ask for a minimum commitment of 16 volunteering hours per month. This is a long-term voluntary role and we encourage all applicants to consider the time and dedication required before applying.
Our Special Constables are volunteer police officers who come from all walks of life, but share one thing in common: a commitment to fighting crime and protecting people. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, gain unique life experience, or explore a future in policing, this is your opportunity to step into a unique voluntary role.
Based in our eleven boroughs and within specialist teams, our Special Constables wear the same uniform, hold the same powers and carry the same responsibilities as our regular (paid) police officers. There’s no such thing as a “typical” shift, but you will find yourself:
- Responding to 999 emergency calls
- Patrolling local neighbourhoods
- Conducting house-to-house enquiries
- Preserving crime scenes
- Presenting evidence in court
It’s challenging, unpredictable and incredibly rewarding. The hours you volunteer will make a real difference to the public of Surrey, and you will gain unique experiences that you are unlikely to encounter elsewhere.
To prepare you for the role, you’ll complete a 14-week training course, which includes:
- One evening session per week
- Alternate weekend sessions (Saturday & Sunday)
The course is intensive and covers everything from policing powers to conflict resolution. Once complete, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skills you need to begin your policing journey. You’ll then be expected to volunteer a minimum of 16 hours per month to maintain your operational competence.
As you grow in experience and confidence, you may be invited to develop additional skills within areas such as UAV (drones), roads policing and public order.
We are seeking individuals with the commitment, integrity and resilience required to serve as Special Constables. Successful candidates will bring clear communication, sound judgement under pressure and the ability to manage conflict with composure. Confident and reliable, you’ll be able to handle diverse situations with empathy and professionalism.
Special Constables are afforded the same legal powers and responsibilities as paid Police Constables. Accordingly, they are held to the same high standards of conduct and public service. You must therefore demonstrate your values are consistent with the principles outlined in our Policing Code of Ethics.
As a Special Constable you’ll gain first‑hand experience in policing while playing an active part in keeping your community safe and supporting local officers. Along the way, you’ll develop valuable, transferable skills such as communication, decision‑making, and problem‑solving that will benefit both your policing role and your personal growth.
With access to continuous training and professional development, you’ll expand your operational competence and build your confidence throughout your policing journey. We will reimburse any travel expenses you may incur whilst volunteering and we have recognition schemes in place for us to formally show our appreciation for your service.
As a police support volunteer you will have access to financial and mental well‑being guidance and support, discounts for everyday spend, our on‑site gyms and a range of sports clubs. Volunteering with us will also allow you to apply for other voluntary and paid positions within the Force.
For full details on becoming a Special Constable, please read our Special Constable Recruitment Guide. We recommend reviewing the eligibility criteria carefully before applying, as only candidates who meet all requirements can be considered.
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.
Volunteer Special Constable: Serve & Protect Your Community employer: Sussex Police
Sussex Police is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and dedication to community service. As an Electrical Engineer at the Hammonds Drive Patrol Centre in Eastbourne, you will enjoy flexible working hours, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth within a vital public service environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Special Constable: Serve & Protect Your Community
✨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 Volunteer Special Constable: Serve & Protect Your Community
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.
