Which skills are required to become a Special?
We need people with strong communication skills who act with confidence, coupled with a responsible attitude.
We are looking for people who:
- Stay calm in a crisis
- Able to respond effectively in confrontational situations
- Communicate clearly
- Resolve disputes sensitively and appropriately
- Think laterally and solve problems
- Plan and take the initiative
- Are tolerant and work well in a team
- Are honest, fair and impartial
- Act with integrity
- Treat people with respect and courtesy
- Are resilient
We are committed to creating a Special Constabulary which reflects the community it serves and encourage people from all communities and backgrounds to apply.
You can find out more about our eligibility criteria by clicking here
Learn more about the Special Constable role
What's in it for you?
- The satisfaction of supporting and policing your community.
- The opportunity to learn new transferable skills and gain valuable experience.
- The opportunity to work in a professional environment, supported by up-to-date training and knowledge.
- A chance to challenge yourself and show what you are capable of.
- A chance to gain a real competitive edge, meaning you are well placed in the employment market.
- An opportunity to learn about the police before committing to a job within the service.
Will it change you?
- You can grow in self-confidence and may discover personal strengths not previously recognised.
- You can improve your communication and problem solving skills.
- You will learn a great deal about your community.
- You can develop new contacts and associations.
Developing as a Special
Once you have been trained and have practical experience you will be able to take on more responsibility as a Special. Training is available on an on-going basis and therefore, should you want to be promoted up the ranks, this is achievable as your experience and skills develop. This means that you will constantly be faced with new challenges and the opportunity to acquire new skills.
As a Special Constable you can make a direct contribution to your local community. You will help fight crime and forge stronger connections between the police and the people they serve.
Find out what you are capable of
The truth is that we are all capable of far more than we know and becoming a special is one of the best ways to learn new transferable skills and develop untapped potential. You will face exciting challenges, acquire valuable skills that will assist in your personal and career development, and you can take pride in your achievements and bolster your self-respect and confidence.
See a different world
Out on patrol, you will deal with situations and people you would probably never encounter in your day-to-day life. Most of all, you will get to see the real impact of crime on people's lives and the extraordinary power you have as an individual to make a real difference. Being a special is both exciting and rewarding and for many it is a life-changing decision. Whatever your plans, you will find working as a member of the wider police service, alongside regular officers of all ranks, police staff and other volunteers, an exciting and rewarding experience.
Make the streets safer
Specials are rightly proud of the amazing work they do. Going out onto the streets to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour helps increase public safety and maintain community confidence. It makes neighbourhoods better places to live, it helps young people make positive choices in their lives and it helps specials become more confident and respected members of their communities.

Would you like to find out more?
If you've got a question, have a look at Frequently Asked Questions or email the team at SpecialsRecruitment@herts.pnn.police.uk