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Questions and Answers
| WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A SPECIAL? |
| Aged between 18½ and 55, you need to be a British ⁄ Commonwealth ⁄ Irish Citizen. There is no fitness test. However, a reasonable level of fitness is required in order to pass the 'Officer Safety Training', (self defence, use of ASP baton, C.S. spray and handcuffs). Some medical problems (e.g. Diabetes, Epilepsy ) or a need for regular medication would exclude you from selection. Formal education qualifications are not necessary. However, good communication skills and sound common sense will help, as will the ability to remain calm in stressful situations. If you need advice, just call us. |
| WHAT ABOUT EYESIGHT? |
| You may be required to give evidence, so eyesight is important! Colour perception must be good (City University Test 7/10) and, although it is permitted to use glasses or contact lenses, the degree of correction must only be slight. (Snellens Test unaided 6⁄36) Call us for advice. |
| AM I TOO SHORT |
| No. There is no height restriction. |
| IS ANYONE AUTOMATICALLY INELIGIBLE |
Members of some occupations are excluded, such as:
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| HOW MUCH UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT WILL I RECEIVE |
| You will receive the same uniform that is issued to a police officer during your induction training. |
| WHAT TRAINING WILL I GET |
| There are two evening classes each week for five weeks, taking you through basic law, powers of arrest, evidence, Police and Court practices. In this period, there are also two weekends learning about use of force, (handcuffs, baton, C.S. spray) first aid, unarmed defensive tactics etc. Further training on patrol with a Tutor Constable leads to being classified as 'fit for independent patrol'. |
| HOW MUCH TIME WOULD I COMMIT |
| We ask for an average of at least four hours per week. Times are arranged to fit your availability and enable you to experience a variety of police work. We do ask that you be reliable. If you commit to attend an event, pulling out at the last minute lets your colleagues and the public down. |
| HOW DO 'REGULARS' REACT TO 'SPECIALS' |
| Specials are welcomed for the support they bring and 'Regulars' train recruits in general subjects as well as for specialist roles, such as drugs education, crime prevention and driving police vehicles. Indeed, many were Specials themselves, gaining an insight into the job before committing themselves to a full- time career. |
| WHAT IF I GOT INTO TROUBLE IN MY PAST |
| A conviction or caution is not an automatic eliminator. Disclose all details, including mitigation, and each case will be considered on merit. |
| DO I HAVE TO LIVE IN GWENT |
| No. However, consider the distance you would have to travel to your duty station. |
| WHERE WOULD I WORK |
| That is largely a matter for you. As a volunteer, we could not force you to work anywhere against your will. Under some circumstances we would exclude you from duty in an area, or ask you to help in another area, but a full explanation would be given. You could be the next village 'bobby'! |
| WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I APPLY |
| You should hear within four weeks. You will be invited to attend for tests which include practical maths, use of English and accuracy of recording information. If you pass the tests, you will be invited to attend for an interview. There are also security checks, a medical examination and your references to be checked. Feedback is available if you are unsuccessful. |
| SHOULD I TELL MY EMPLOYER |
| Yes. The Working Time Directive is applicable to voluntary work as well as your employment. There are benefits for your employer, as the Chief Commandant stated previously. |
| WHAT IF I AM UNABLE TO WORK DUE TO INJURY OR A COURT CASE |
| Your employer will be compensated for your attendance at Court. You are covered for loss of earnings due to injury on duty. Compensation is similar to that for a 'Regular' and includes pension rights if disabled. |
| WOULD BEING A 'SPECIAL' HELP ME BECOME A 'REGULAR' |
| You get no privileged treatment, but the training and experience will stand you in good stead both in preparing your application and at the interview. |
| WOULD IT COST ME ANYTHING |
| No. All uniform, training and equipment is provided free. There is no pay, but expenses for travel to and from duty are refunded along with a 'boot allowance' and meal expenses in some circumstances. |
| IF I WANT TO APPLY WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT |
| Complete the 'on line' application or telephone the recruitment line, 0845 60 111 64. For advice you may wish to contactthe co-ordinator for Special Constabulary and Community Volunteers at Police Headquarters. |
| WHAT IF I WANT TO HELP, BUT NOT AS A POLICE OFFICER |
| Think about the Community Volunteer Scheme. |
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