Vacancy Information
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.
Chief Constables' Message
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.
Chief Constable Tim De Meyer & Chief Constable Jo Shiner
The Role and Key Responsibilities
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.
Policing Your Community:
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:
1. Responding to 999 emergency calls
2. Patrolling local neighbourhoods
3. Conducting house-to-house enquiries
4. Preserving crime scenes
5. 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.
Training and Development:
To prepare you for the role, you’ll complete a 14-week training course, which includes:
6. One evening session per week
7. 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.
Skills & Experience
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 which can be found
There are several key criteria you'll need to meet before applying to become a Special Constable; these can be found in our .
Why Work With Us?
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.
Further Information
For full details on becoming a Special Constable, please read our. We recommend reviewing the eligibility criteria carefully before applying, as only candidates who meet all requirements can be considered.
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. For more information, you can read our .
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.
Please use the following links to find out more on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion atand
Additional Information
Following submission of your application you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your application attached. Occasionally emails from this address can fall into spam/junk folders so please ensure this is checked regularly. You may wish to consider adding to your address/contact list to ensure you receive all communications.