The Application Process

Here’s what to expect if you decide to apply for a role a Special Constable with NYP.

The journey to becoming a Special Constable is thorough and takes time, and the information below outlines the key stages you will progress through.

Familiarisation events
These sessions offer an excellent opportunity to learn more about the role, meet serving Special Constables, and understand the recruitment and training process. They are held during the recruitment window. Sign up for vacancy alerts to be notified about our application windows.

Online application
All applications must be submitted through our online recruitment portal. Once the recruitment period ends, applications will move into the shortlisting stage.

Online National Sift
If you are eligible to apply, you will be invited to the next stage of the selection process. This will involve an online national sift via the College of Policing. This includes a situational judgement test and behavioural style questionnaire. You don’t need to worry about these as you will receive plenty of information before the tests.

Final interview
If you pass the online national sift, you will be invited to attend the North Yorkshire Police face to face competency based interview.

Fitness and medical tests
Once you receive a conditional offer all Special Constables must complete a fitness test and a medical assessment. Vetting checks will also begin at this stage, during which your background information will be reviewed.

Uniform measurement and biometrics
You will also be measured for your uniform and asked to provide fingerprints and DNA. These biometrics allow us to eliminate police personnel from investigations where necessary.

Final offers
Depending on the timing of your assessments and subject to successful fitness, medical, vetting and references, final offers will be issued.

Training
Once you accept your offer as a Special Constable, your training will begin in partnership with the Open University.

This level of training ensures that Specials receive the same standard and quality as regular Police Officers, supporting both public confidence and officer safety. It also provides a recognised qualification.

Training duration
Learning as a Special Constable is an ongoing process. Completing the SCLP with North Yorkshire Police typically takes between 18 and 24 months, depending on your availability to complete the coursework at your own pace.

Your initial phase of training must be completed in full.

Attestation

Once you have completed your initial training, you will take part in your Attestation ceremony.

Attestation is the moment you swear an oath of allegiance to His Majesty the King before a magistrate. At this point, you will also receive your warrant card. From that moment on, you hold the Office of Constable, giving you the legal powers of arrest and authority to maintain public order - a significant responsibility.

The Open University

The Open University already delivers North Yorkshire Police’s Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship. Because the SCLP uses the same core modules, partnering with the Open University ensures Special Constables receive training to the same high standard as regular officers. This also supports a smooth transition for those who later decide to apply to become a PC.

The flexibility of remote learning is another benefit, enabling Special Constables to complete elements of their training at times that suit their individual schedules.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Special Constable. We wish you the very best with your application!