What is the role of a Special in the UK?

Question

I'm applying for the position as part of my work experience... any one give me a bit more information, real life examples, im pretty book smart on the role, just like some first hand information.

Also if you can, what questions do you think i need to ask them when i go meet the head of specials?

something to give me a bit of an edge to show im really keen!

or just something i need to know abut them...

any information really!

ten points to best answer!

thumbs up for good answers

oh just thought id add.... work experiencelasts 4 years...

not a two week thing, im at university.

Answer 1

Hi... A member of the Special Constabulary is a Police Officer that works voluntarily alongside his/her regular officers. You are given a small amount of basic law and self defence training, and will be expected to do the same job as a regular Police officer, which includes dealing with crime incidents, high viz patrol, public order. You will be given a warrant card which gives you the same police powers as a regular officer in your county, and the counties that surround yours, although this is to be extended countrywide as a regular constable currently enjoys. Unfortunately a lot of people don't take the role seriously and give specials a bad name. They do half a job and expect their regular colleagues to finish the job for them. One word of advice, if you get in, and you start a job, do as much work on it as you possibly can. You will gain a lot more respect from your regular colleagues as you won't be dumping more paperwork on them than they have already. It's also not really a job to apply for, for work experience, unless of course it's the regular Police service you're hoping to get into. Different forces have different amounts of training and allow you to do different things. It's unlikely you'll be allowed to drive with blue lights (unless your force allows it), and it's unlikely you'll be able to join specialist departments like firearms, dog unit, etc. etc. your role will normally be placed as a community officer, assisting in the control of things like anti-social behaviour etc. Good luck anyway.

Answer 2

You could do worse than looking at the previous question and more especially the positive voting. The position of Special Constable is not really a Work Experience role unless you intend to stay for a lengthy period of time because kitting a Special out costs and so does the training. I warn you, hobby bobbies are not respected by the regular force.

Answer 3

The role is supposed to assist the regular officers. I was in for a year on a shift. 90% of the officers were against specials, on my shift. Very outcast from day one. One officer i had to work with hated men and specials and i was spoken to once in the 8 hour shift I worked with her and that was "Get The F**king door". I wanted to be a regular but after that year i didn't bother. Although other specials in the neighbouring division and also a neighbouring Force had some great experiences even on other shifts in the same station.Still we have a good force but some non dedicated officers in the regulars have jobs that i would be willing to do! Good luck with your application.

Answer 4

Your role is to wear a police uniform go onto the street to give the public a sense of false security with little training whilst any regular police officer would be out enjoying himself if given the chance.On big occasions you will be able to do the regular officers out of overtime by volunteering to do it for free but you might get into the football match free.A regular sergeant once spotted a special in his bus drivers uniform with a union badge and asked him how that union would react if the sergeant volunteered to drive his bus for free on his days off,the man turned in his uniform the next day.

Answer 5

go to specials.co.uk to start.

They have the same powers of arrest as regulars, have a waarant card, do the same training, wear the same uniform, and in many cases the regulars appreciate their assistance. Only real insy wincy bit is they dont get paid.

Answer 6

Hello Sir,
Do your boots need licking, I love the public and believe Law and Order essential to a balanced society.
I can make a lovely bacon sandwich, and a perfect cup of tea at any time of day or night. I never complain and promise to turn a blind eye to any improprieties that may occur under your control and you can be assured that I will seek your advice on any subject at any level and take into consideration your moods and accept that you may not be available at all times.
I will warm the seat of your chair personally should the heating ever fail and walk the beat endlessly if need be, I will not be jealous of real police officers and never complain of low or unfair wage differences. I have many like-minded friends and will supply you with their names and addresses should you be so kind and merciful as to employ me in this wonderful police station.

Answer 7

Unpaid to take all the grief and stress society meters out to you....I admire you I wouldent do it for all the money in the world !