Special Constable (Volunteer Police Officer) – Surrey and Sussex Police
Volunteer. Protect. Make a Difference. If you are ready to take on a unique and rewarding challenge, consider joining our volunteer police force. As a special constable you will work alongside regular police constables to fight crime, protect the public, and help build trust within our communities.
Chief Constable's Message
We welcome your interest in joining our Police Force. It is a privilege to lead the teams who continuously work self‑lessly and tirelessly 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 they do and who want to make a difference.
The Role & Key Responsibilities
Our special constables are volunteer police officers who share a commitment to making Surrey safer. Whether you are looking to give back, gain life experience, or explore a future in policing, this is the opportunity to step into a unique voluntary role.
Policing Your Community
* Respond to 999 emergency calls
* Patrol local neighbourhoods
* Conduct house‑to‑house enquiries
* Preserve crime scenes
* Present evidence in court
There is no typical shift – 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 will complete a 14‑week training course, which includes:
* One evening session per week
* Alternate weekend sessions (Saturday & Sunday)
Once complete, you will be expected to volunteer a minimum of 16 hours per month to maintain your operational competence. As you gain experience you may be invited to develop additional skills such as UAV (drones), roads policing and public order.
Skills & Experience
We are looking for individuals who demonstrate:
* Effective communication skills with the public
* Sound judgement and problem‑solving ability, particularly under pressure
* Capacity to manage conflict constructively and maintain composure
* Confidence, reliability and an ability to approach diverse scenarios with professionalism and empathy
All candidates must demonstrate values consistent with our Code of Ethics. Eligibility criteria are detailed in the Special Constable Recruitment Guide.
Why Work With Us?
* Experience policing first‑hand
* Meet new people and teams
* Learn and develop your skills
* Support your local community
We will reimburse travel expenses, recognize your service through formal schemes, and provide access to financial and mental well‑being guidance, discounts, on‑site gyms and sports clubs. Volunteering may also open pathways to other voluntary and paid roles within the Force.
Further Information
Please refer to the Special Constable Recruitment Guide for more information. Eligibility criteria include:
* Age 17 to apply (must be 18 when training starts)
* Valid manual driver’s licence with no more than five points
* GCSE (A*–C/4–9) in English or equivalent; otherwise a formal test may be required
* Lived in the UK for at least three continuous years prior to application
* Where applicable, appropriate leave to stay in the UK if from outside the EEA
* Must not be a member of extremist organisations such as the British National Party, Combat 18 or the National Front
* No discriminatory tattoos, especially on the face
* Preferable to have no criminal convictions or cautions; convictions will be assessed during recruitment
* Applicants will declare any business interests
Diversity Statement
We are committed to diversity, inclusion and anti‑racism. We value the differences people bring from all backgrounds and communities. Age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and religious belief do not restrict our invitation to apply. For more information, read our full anti‑racism statement available on the Surrey and Sussex Police websites.
Additional Information
After you submit your application you will receive a confirmation email. Please check your spam/junk folder if you do not see it and add us to your address book to ensure all communications are received.
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