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[Lord Vader]

The PoliceSpecials.com forum was established in July 2002 and since then we have welcomed literally tens of thousands of visitors and discussed thousands of topics in over a million messages! Of course, many of our visitors are either new Specials or are members of the public thinking of joining, and there are quite a few Frequently Asked Questions.

This thread lists some of the most commonly asked questions, together with a link to a topic which will hopefully answer most queries. Before posting a new question, please check the list below and read the relevant topics - chances are many of your questions will have already been answered!

Applying To Become A Special

• I'm under 18 years old - can I apply to be a Special?
  
• What is the application process like for Specials? (this link is about Surrey Police, but is still relevant to all)
  
• What jobs will stop me being a Special? (restricted occupations)
  
• How long does the application process last?
  
• Diary of a Prospective Special's application process
  
• I've got points on my driving licence, can I still apply?
  
• I am over/underWeight, is this going to be a problem?
  
• I suffer from asthma, can I still be a Special?
  
• I have various body piercings, can I still apply?
  
• What happens during the security checks?

Specials Driving Police Cars

• Which forces allow their Specials to drive?
  
• Specials response driving and again
  
• Using blues lights and sirens

Uniform

• What boots are best?
  
• Tips to get your boots nice and shiny
  
• Uniform likes and dislikes
  
• What uniform are you issued with?
  
• Wearing uniform to and from home

All About Warrant Cards

• Carrying your warrant card 1
  
• Carrying your warrant card 2
  
• Losing your warrant card
  
• Use of the warrant cards for freebies and discounts

Life As A Special

• Recommended reading for new Specials?
  
• What's a typical duty like then?
  
• Conduct on duty - good or bad?
  
• How to act on a first duty
  
• Specials supervision 1 and Specials supervision 2
  
• Embarrassing mistakes!
  
• Cockups on duty
  
• Your worst ever shift
  
• What's the public perception of Specials?
  
• Relationship between the regular police and specials

Specials and Money

• Paying Specials - the definitive thread
  
• Specials to be paid..... In Scotland
  
• Meal allowances
  
• Receiving expenses

Specials Off Duty

• Calling 999 while off duty
  
• Off duty arrests
  
• Off duty arrest shoplifting scenario
  
• Carrying cuffs/batons/CS while off duty

Questions about the Forum

• What's this 'Power User' status I keep reading about?
  
• What do the ranks and stars mean?
  
• What do the different user name colours mean?
  
• What do the medal ribbon awards mean?
  
• What's this 'karma' thing all about?
  
• I haven't been awarded my long service medal ribbon - why not?
  
• The forum time is an hour out on my screen
  
• What is your policy on... (forum policies and procedures)
  
• Our forum guidelines and legal disclaimer

If you can't find the answer to your question(s) here, try using the search facility (link at the top of every forum page). If you're still stuck then by all means post a new question in the forum - if you've made the effort to check here first and still not found the answer then there are loads of people on the forum who will be delighted to try and help out

[Lord Vader]

Anyone want to suggest some updates or refreshes?