The application process
So you've sent off your application to join our Special Constabulary - great stuff. Find out what happens next...
The selection and training process for Special Constables is rigorous and takes time. This information is intended to provide you with an overview of the process and some key dates for the future.
Familiarisation Events
These events are fantastic opportunities to gain further insight into the Special Constable role, meet current Special Constables and learn about the recruitment process and how we will deliver your training. These will be run between the recruitment opening dates. Please register your interest to be invited to one of these events when recruitment opens. There will be opportunities to receive this information electronically as well.
Application to be made online.
Recruitment closes.
Shortlisting and situational strengths test
Following the shortlisting process you will be told if your application has made it through to the next stage. You will be sent an invitation to complete a Situational Strengths Test online.
Compulsory information session
Once you have undertaken the Online Situational Tests we will invite you to a compulsory information session to gain a further insight into the Special Constable role, discuss expectations, training and your commitment. This session will give you further information into the life of a Special Constable and the training we will require you to commit to. This session will be a compulsory part of the recruitment process and failure to attend could see your application being withdrawn.
Final interviews
Once you have passed your Online Situational Strengths Test, you will be invited to North Yorkshire Police’s assessment. This will involve two strength based micro exercises and a strength based interview. Those invited to assessment will also be invited to the compulsary information event which will help you prepare for the strength’s based assessments.
Fitness and medical tests begin
All police officers – both new recruits and existing officers – have to undergo a fitness test Click here for more information about the fitness test. You will also have to undergo a medical.
Vetting will also begin. This is when we carry out background checks against the information you provide in your vetting forms.
Uniform measurement and biometrics
You will be asked to attend our clothing store in Thirsk to be measured for your uniform and have your fingerprints and DNA taken. We measure you prior to a final offer being made as body armour takes a while to be made and delivered. All police officers and staff who attend the scene of a crime as part of their role have their DNA and fingerprints taken to enable us to eliminate them when an investigation is underway.
Final offers made
Depending on when you attended your assessment and interview, and subject to your fitness test, medical, vetting and references, final offers will also be made. You will receive a starter’s pack with your offer.
Training
Now the hard work begins!
Once you have accepted the offer of joining us as a student Special Constable, your training begins with a pre-training induction evening at a police station, that you must attend.
New for 2022, our newly recruited Special Constables will now be embarking on a new training journey in collaboration with the Open University.
In 2020, the College Of Policing created the new Policing Education Qualification Framework (PEQF), a new curriculum designed to professional policing across all entry routes, including Special Constables. The new Special Constabulary Learning Programme (SCLP) has now been released and adopted by forces in England and Wales to incorporate the new curriculum.
Why do Special Constables need to follow the new curriculum?
The SCLP is designed to ensure Special Constables receive the same quality training as that of a regular Police Officer. Special Constables, on duty, are recognised by the public as Police Officers and it is imperative for safety and knowledge that their training is that of the standard of a PC.
By also professionalising their training, it means they will be receive a recognised qualification to enhance their own personal achievements and to also transfer over should they choose to become a PC.
How long will be training take to complete?
Learning as a Special Constable is never complete. However, to complete the SCLP at North Yorkshire Police will take between 18 month and 24 months (this will depend on your availability to complete the learning at your own pace).
Your initial training will include a compulsory requirement for you to take a full 7 days to complete your Officer Safety Training (OST).
Once you have completed your initial training you will complete your Attestation.
Attestation
Being attested is when you swear an oath of allegiance to HM the Queen in front of a magistrate. You will also be given your warrant card. You will then hold the Office of Constable which gives you the power of arrest and control of the public – a significant responsibility.
Your goal will be to then achieve Directed Patrol Status (DPS). once achieved, North Yorkshire Police has a great pathway of options for your to continue your own learning and development!
What does this mean if a Special Constable wants to then join as a PC?
One of the biggest benefits of the SCLP is that when a Special Constable applies to be a PC, their learning through the SCLP can be transferred over to their PC training. It is recognised learning and will not need to be repeated.
In some forces, Special Constables completing their learning and knowledge until the point of Dependent Patrol Status (DPS) will allow them to transfer over to becoming a PC without the requirement of the National Assessment Centre.
Why have North Yorkshire Police collaborated with the Open University?
The Open University currently provides North Yorkshire Police’s Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship. As the training contains the same modules, it was important to ensure our SCs receive the same standard of training as our PCS. It will also allow for an easy transition for those who wish to pathway from SC to PC.
We also love the remote learning ability that the Open University has to offer, allowing some aspects of our Special Constable training to be easily accessible and can be completed at the every Special Constable’s own schedule.
What are my options if I do not aspire to be a Police Officer?
Once you have completed your SCLP to the point of being a Dependent Patrol Status Special Constable, North Yorkshire have designed a number of options to enable Special Constables to continue to develop, learn and gain new skills through specialisms or to continue to police with regular response teams. Options include:
- Response Special Constable
- Working with the Neighbour Policing Teams
- Policing with the Road Policing Group
- Policing with the Rural Task Force
- Working and support NYP’s School Liaison officers
- Licensing
- And more to come!
Thank you for your interest in joining us as a Special Constable, and good luck with your application!