Join Us. Love Dorset. Special constable recruitment is now open
Dorset Police is launching a new special constable recruitment campaign and is encouraging people looking for a volunteering opportunity and the chance to learn new skills to apply.
Special constables are an integral part of the Force – they are volunteer police officers, who once trained, have the same powers as a regular police officer helping to protect and support the people who live in Dorset.
We are looking for individuals with the right attributes to join us as special constables and help make Dorset a safe county for everyone. Candidates will need to be able to give at least 16 hours each month and we are also encouraging existing special constables to consider transferring to Dorset Police.
The campaign will seek to recruit new and transferee special constables to join us in September 2026, with a further intake planned for March 2027.
As a new special constable, you will undergo six months of training across weekends and evenings before moving directly into neighbourhood teams to join regular officers and police staff colleagues while you continue to develop and learn.
We understand that deciding whether a role in policing is right for you is not an easy one, that is why we have a wealth of information and videos on our website: Special Constables - Who, What, How and Why - Working in Partnership
We will also be holding online awareness events over the coming months and are offering candidates an application buddy to support you throughout the application and recruitment process. Dates will be publicised in due course.
Acting Chief Officer Ben Deeks said: “This is a really exciting time for the Special Constabulary. Not only will this campaign bring in new people to our fantastic team of special constables, but we are also enhancing our training offer. We have just launched the Special Constable Learning Programme (SCLP), which provides a training and development pathway to all new and existing special constables.
“It is built upon the same foundation as the training delivered to regular police constables, covering topics like law, police powers, public order and investigation, and uses a blend of online, face-to-face and on-the-job learning.
“It also aligns with the new non-degree diploma entry route Police/Detective Constable Entry Programme (PCEP/DCEP) whereby the learning and experience gained under SCLP can be recognised if a special constable decides to transition to a regular police constable role.”
You can find out more about the role of special constable, eligibility criteria and how to apply here: Special Constables - Who, What, How and Why - Working in Partnership
Join us. Love Dorset.
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