Before considering your application please read some of the guidelines below:-

(An application & reference form are attached at the bottom of the page)

Who can apply?

To be considered for appointment to Cumbria Special Constabulary, you must satisfy the following minimum requirements:

- Age
You can apply to join the Police at 18 years of age but cannot take up appointment until you are 18 1/2 years. We can also accept application for candidates up to the age of  50 years (if you are over 50 years, please contact us on 01768 217741 as each case will be looked at individually).  The normal retiring ages are 55 for Constables and 60 years for higher ranking officers.

- Nationality
You must be a British citizen, a Commonwealth citizen whose stay in the United Kingdom is not subject to restrictions, or a citizen of the Irish Republic. Applications can now be accepted from members of the European Union and Foreign Nationals whose stay in the UK is not subject to any restrictions.

- Character
We expect you to have a high standard of personal behaviour and social conduct.  You must be of good character and not associate with criminals.  Our selection process has to be thorough and records are searched for any personal convictions or cautions.

- Education
You must have a sound general education to enable you to cope with the full range of tasks expected of a Special Constable.  It would be useful o have GCSEs in English and Maths.  In addition, any further qualifications such as A-Levels, NVQs, a degree etc, will be advantageous. 

As part of the recruitment process you will need to sit and pass the Police Initial Recruitment Test.

- Health Assessment
Part of the recruitment process is a medical which includes a health and vision assessment.  The wearing of glasses or contact lenses is permissible, however, you must have unaided vision of no worse than 6/36 in each eye and be able to read the second line down on an Optician's chart without the aid of glasses or lenses.

There is no height restriction for joining the Constabulary.

- Skills
A successful applicant will be able to demonstrate their abilities in the seven Policing competencies at interview by giving examples from both their personal and work experiences.  These are:-

• Respect For Diversity
• Team Working
• Community and Customer Focus
• Effective Communication
• Problem Solving
• Personal Responsibility
• Resilience

- Community Involvement and Awareness
You must be living within Cumbria or in near proximity.  You need to demonstate a genuine desire to serve the community, perhpas through previous voluntary work or your occupation.  Remember however, it is enthusiasm and not experience that counts!

- How can I prepare for an application as a Special Constable?

• The Special Constabulary is looking for applicants who have 'life skills' and can confidently deal with people e.g. working with the public in a shop/cafe/restaurant etc.

• Also try to do some voluntary work in your community e.g. helping with a school group, working in a care home, assisting with a local sports club.

• It is important that Special Constables have a good level of fitness - so keep yourself fit and take part in any sports that you enjoy. As a member of a sports team you will also be developing your skills in terms of team-working, problem solving, personal responsibility and, perhaps, effective communication.

-Precluded Occupations
The Home Office regard certain occupations as incompatible with being a Special Constable.  This is generally due to the need to preserve impartiality and to avoid any potential conflict which might arise between the police and your private role.

Examples include:

• Members of a Police Authority
• Magistrates
• Clerks to the Justices
• Members of private police or security organisations (whether directors, patrons or employees)
• Bailiffs and warrant officers.
• Private detectives and enquiry agents.
• Traffic Wardens
• School Crossing Patrols
• Serving members of Her Majesty's Armed Forces

Please note, you do not require a drivers licence to join the Specials.

If you are in any doubt when considering an application, please contact our Special Constabulary Recruiting Hotline on 01768 217741

An application & reference form for the Special Constabulary is attached at the bottom of this web page. It is in pdf format, so you will need Adobe Acrobat to read it.

If you have Adobe Acrobat Writer, you can complete the forms digitally. Attach them to an email and send it to emma.teasdale@cumbria.police.uk. If you do not, print the forms out, complete them by hand and post it to The Specials Recruiting Office, Police Headquarters, Carleton Hall, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2AU

Both the application and reference forms must be completed and returned to us to commence the selection process.

Related Documents:

Application Form for the Special Constables
Reference Form for Special Constables