What happens after I apply?

It’s important for us to be transparent with you, as the application process can take some months to complete. Applying to become a special constable isn’t as simple as applying for other voluntary roles.

As the role gives you full police powers, the application process is similar to that of a regular pc role. There are a few additional steps such as an assessment, vetting and medical. Therefore, the process could take some months to complete before you get allocated your training programme, but we are committed to keeping you updated at every stage.

Am I eligible?

Below is a summary of the basic eligibility criteria - a more detailed breakdown can be found on the College of Policing website:

Education

There is no formal educational requirement, but you will be required to pass written tests.

Age

To apply to the Police Service you must be at least 18 years old. There is no upper limit.

Residency

You must be a British citizen or a citizen of a country that is a member of the European Economic Area or Switzerland. Commonwealth citizens and other foreign nationals are also eligible but only if they are resident in the UK free of restrictions. If you have recently resided abroad we need to be able to check your previous three years (including employment, education and/or residency).

Membership of British National Party and similar

The Police Service has a policy prohibiting any of their officers, staff or volunteers from becoming members of the British National Party (BNP). Combat 18 or the National Front, whose aims, objectives or pronouncements may contradict the duty to promote race equality. If you are a member of the BNP or similar, your application will be rejected.

Criminal convictions

Convictions or cautions will not necessarily prevent you from appointment. It will depend on their nature and the circumstances of the offence. However, failure to disclose convictions or cautions will result in your application being refused.

Business interests

Certain occupations may stop applicants from being special constables. For example neighbourhood and street wardens, and those involved in the administration of the law. Other roles which are precluded include security occupations which hold a security industry association (SIA) licence.

Health, fitness, eyesight and disability

Being a Special Constable can often be tough and demanding and therefore it is important all new recruits are fit and healthy. All medical criteria will be checked – including eyesight, hearing and Body Mass Index (BMI must be at least 18 and no more than 30 – to calculate yours, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/bmi-calculator/).

This part of the process will be managed by the force’s occupational health team. You need to be able to manage day-to-day life without a problem and it is expected you won’t be regularly having sick days off work. However, if you need regular medication to stay healthy, you may still be accepted, as long as you can provide evidence of being able to manage this yourself. Every candidate receives a detailed individual assessment and we can accept candidates with many common health conditions, as long as they are under control.

However, if you can’t carry out the role safely without putting your own health at risk, or you can’t meet some of the core requirements, you will not be found fit for the job.

No one is rejected because of a medical label. The Equality Act 2010 covers all police forces we recruit for and if you have a disability, adjustments will be made if it is reasonable to do so. If you have a health problem, or you’ve recently had a lot of time off, try to bring a copy of your medical records or a note from your doctor with you to your medical assessment.

The fitness test, also known as the bleep test, is a continuous series of shuttle runs between the two lines, 15 metres apart. You will need to complete this as part of the selection process. The time allowed to run the distance is indicated by an audible “bleep”, and the interval reduces over time, so that the runs have to become progressively faster. There is a standard national achievement level required of a minimum of four shuttles at level 5 to pass.

Eyesight Standards

Having a good standard of vision is important as a Special Constable. The standard you need to meet either with or without glasses or contact lenses is listed below.

Distance vision

6/12 or better with either your right or left eye

6/6 with both eyes together

If you wear glasses or contact lenses you also need to reach 6/36 without your glasses or lenses.

Near vision                     

6/9 with both eyes together (aided).

If you are unsure what this means for you, visit your optician and check your current prescription.

 Tattoos and Piercings

We know some people like to express themselves with body art, however anyone who has a tattoo and / or piercing which could be reasonably interpreted as offensive to any religion or belief, or is in any way discriminatory, violent or intimidating, will not be accepted. In line with the College of Policing’s national guidance we will carefully consider the size, nature and prominence of visible tattoos and piercings to determine if they are acceptable

If you have a tattoo on your arms, face, hands or neck you will be required to submit photos with your application.

Financial position

Special constables are in a privileged position with regard to access to information and could be considered potentially vulnerable to corruption. Applicants to the Police Service should not therefore be under pressure from undischarged debts or liabilities and should be able to manage loans and debts sensibly. Most applicants have debts, such as mortgages, undischarged student or other loans, and credit/store cards. Debts which are within your means and are manageable are not a bar to appointment.

Applicants who have existing County Court judgements outstanding against then or have been registered as bankrupt and their bankruptcy debts have not been discharged will not be considered.

Applicants who have discharged County Court judgements may be considered.

Applicants who have been registered as bankrupt and their bankruptcy debts have been discharged will only be considered after three years from discharge of the debt.

Applicants who are the subject of a current individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) may not be considered.

You will need to pass all Force security and medical checks.

If you do not meet these eligibility criteria – you can still check out other opportunities https://jobs.west-midlands.police.uk/

West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader - the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions.  As part of our commitment we operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview.

Diversity and Inclusion Vision:  Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities.