Dyfed-Powys Police Special Constabulary
Dyfed-Powys Police service, through late 2010 and early 2011 has been re-structuring its Special Constabulary; The Special Constabulary is the part-time volunteer section. Its officers are known as Special Constables (all hold the office of Constable no matter what their rank) or informally as Specials.[9] It has become known to many organisations as well as the police that volunteers are best managed by volunteers, so this new command and rank structure has been designed with that in mind, to boost the effectiveness of the Special Constabulary.
With this re-structuring, there have been many new appointments, these include the following:
- Special Constabulary Lead - Superintendent
- Special Constabulary Co-Ordinator
and then we go on to the Specials themselves:
- Special Constabulary, Chief Officer
- Special Constabulary, Inspectors; x4 Inspectors, one per Basic Command Unit (BCU)
- Special Constabulary, Sergeants; formerly Section Officers
With this restructuring, Dyfed-Powys Police is the first Police service in Wales to adopt the National Policing Improvement Agencies(NPIA)National Recruitment Standards for Special Constables. Also the training for Special Constables has improved and now is similar to that of a regular Police Constable in its structure and time frame.
Dyfed-Powys Police SC related videos:
Special Constables Attestation March 2011
Special Constables Attestation Decemeber 2011
Frequently Asked Questions
- Am I eligible to join the Special Constabulary?
- What powers will I have?
- What duties can I perform?
- How much time am I expected to commit?
- Do I get paid?
- How long does the application process take?
- How fit should I be?
- Are there any occupations a Special Constable cannot hold?
- What if I got into trouble in my past?
- How much time is a Special Constable expected to commit?
- Is this a stepping stone to the Regular Police?
- Do I need to inform my employer?
- Do you take my Fingerprints?
- If I want to apply, what should I do next?
- What if I want to help, but not as a Special Constable?
Am I eligible to join the Special Constabulary?
In order to become a Special Constable you must:
- Be a British or Commonwealth citizen
- Be aged between 18½ and 55
- Enjoy good health and have good vision. The wearing of spectacles or contact lenses is permitted.
- Be of good character
What powers will I have?
Special Constables have all the legal powers of their regular counterparts when on and off duty and, as of 1 April 2007, can use their powers throughout England and Wales. Prior to this date, Special Constables' powers were restricted to within their force areas and neighbouring forces only.
What duties can I perform?
The duties Specials are asked to perform are many and varied. Examples are:
- Foot patrol with a Community Beat Officer.
- Crowd and traffic control at local events.
- General response patrols with Regular Officers.
- In fact Special Constables participate in most areas of policing
How much time am I expected to commit?
As a Special Constable in Dyfed Powys, you are asked to commit a minimum of sixteen hours per month and attend a monthly training session.
Do I get paid?
Special Constables do not get paid. However, out of pocket expenses are paid. Uniform and equipment
are provided free, except for footwear for which a small 'Boot Allowance' is paid annually.
How long does the application process take?
We aim to process applications as quickly and efficiently as possible and will keep applicants informed
at all stages of the process.
What qualifications should I have?
You do not require qualifications to become a Special Constable or a Police Officer. However you will be
asked to sit a Police Initial Recruitment Test (PIRT) as part of the recruitment process for the Special Constabulary.
Further information will be provided about the test when you request an application form.
The main areas tested in the PIRT are:
- The ability to spell words and construct sentences correctly.
- The ability to check information quickly and correctly.
- The ability to solve numerical problems accurately.
- The ability to reason logically when given facts about events.
How fit should I be?
You should be reasonably fit, as a fitness test forms part of the recruitment process. Further information
will be provided in recruitment pack.
Are there any occupations a Special Constable cannot hold?
As Special Constables possess the powers and privileges of a regular Constable, it is necessary to minimise
the risk that they may be pressed to abuse their powers whilst off duty. The Home Office has identified a number
of occupations where there may be a conflict of interest with the role of Special Constables. In view of this,
applicants who are employed in these capacities would not be eligible for appointment to the Special Constabulary.
A full list is available upon request by telephoning our recruitment team on 01267 226294.
A list of Restricted Occupations list Revised by the NPIA in 2011
What if I got into trouble in my past?
A conviction or caution is not an automatic eliminator. Disclose all details, including mitigations and each case will
be considered on merit.
Is this a stepping stone to the Regular Police?
The majority stay in the Special Constabulary to give many years of valuable service to the community. Some
Special Constables find that they enjoy policing and go on to become regular, full-time Police Officers. The training
and experience from being a Special Constable will stand you in good stead both in preparing your application and at
the interview.
Do I need to inform my employer?
All Special Constables are advised to inform their employers of their appointment and the hours they are likely to
perform each week so as to satisfy certain requirements under the Working Time Regulations (WTR).
You may occasionally have to attend court as a witness during your working hours. If this occurs you would receive
prior notice and would be able to claim for any loss of earnings, which resulted.
Do you take my Fingerprints?
All appointees to the Special Constabulary are required to have their fingerprints taken. These will be retained on file
for elimination purposes only and will be destroyed when a Special Constable leaves the Force. If a Special Constable
is successful in an application to join the regular force, this information may be transferred.
If I want to apply, what should I do next?
An application form can be obtained by ringing the Recruitment & Selection 24hr answerphone on 01267 226165,
quoting the following reference number 323/WEB or alternatively you can e-mail Specials Recruitment stating your
full name, address and date of birth.
What if I want to help, but not as a Special Constable?
Dyfed Powys Police are also looking for Civilian Volunteers. We give individuals the opportunity to use their skills,
experience and local knowledge to make a positive contribution in their community by supporting our work.
Edited by cfnbryn, 19 April 2013 - 04:15 PM.
