Selection Process
The selection process as follows;
- Application Form
- Assessment Day including:
- Police Initial Recruitment Test (PIRT)
- Written test
- Interactivity Test
- Interview
If you are successful at assessment then:
- Medical appointment
- Fitness Test
If you are successful at the fitness test stage, you will be offered a position on the next Special Constable's course, subject to satisfactory references and security checks.
Application Forms
Application Forms are currently paper-sifted, and you will be informed of the outcome of the paper-sift.
Applicants must be 17 ½ years of age and if successful at all stages of the process, must be over the age of eighteen on appointment to become an operational officer. There is no minimal education standard.
Special Constables must complete documentation to a high standard, so make sure that your writing is legible and your spelling and grammar acceptable.
Please ensure that you complete the personal statement, giving a full written account evidencing your skills, achievements and any other relevant information.
On receipt of your application, it will be marked and character checks will be undertaken on you and your close family (please remember to include maiden names and dates and places of birth and current addresses for all family members).
Assessment Day
The Assessment day is held at Police Headquarters and consists of 4 sections detailed below. If unsuccessful at assessment, you cannot take the tests again for 6 months.
PIRT
The Police Initial Recruitment Test (PIRT) consists of 2 tests Numerical Reasoning and Verbal Logical reasoning tests.
Written Test
In this test you will be asked to prepare a report/memo addressing issues outlined in the exercise.
Interactivity Test
In this test you will assessed on your problem solving ability by dealing with a complaint scenario. You will be given all details during the preparation time prior to this part of the assessment.
Interview
- What might I be asked?
- Why do you want to be a Special Constable?
- What do you think the role of a Special Constable is?
- What qualities/experience do you have that will make you suitable?
- What are the local problems?
What can I do to prepare?
- Visit your local station and speak to Special Constables about what they do
- Find out what the local policing problems are and local priorities.
Medical
Upon successful completion of the Assessment Day, we will invite you to attend a medical at Police Headquarters. This will be conducted on a weekday. A questionnaire will be sent to you prior to your appointment for completion and submission.
The Eyesight Test
You will be required to visit your optician to have your eyes tested before your medical. You will require a City Vision Test .
If you wear spectacles or contact lenses check out the eyesight standards on
www.policecouldyou.co.uk or give us a ring for further information.
Fitness Test
The Fitness Test is held at Meadowfield, Durham on another pre-arranged day. You will have three attempts to pass this stage. This is the final stage of the recruitment process.
Please visit www.policecouldyou.co.uk for further information on the fitness test.
Training
After appointment the officer is invited to attend an Induction day at Force Headquarters
Induction
Held on a Saturday or a Sunday at Police Headquarters. An introduction is given into the role of a Special Constable.
Basic Training
The Special Constables Basic Training Programme is a modular training schedule designed to prepare you for your role as a Special Constable.
20 classroom-based sessions at Force HQ, one per week lasting approximately 2 hours spread over 4/5 months.
You will receive instruction on self-defence and the use of CS/Pepper spray, ASP baton and Quick Cuffs.
After Basic Training
If you are successful at the basic training, you will be issued with a uniform, and attend and attestation ceremony where you will be sworn in by a Magistrate enabling you to commence duties as a Special Constable. After Basic Training, you will receive monthly training sessions that are at present held on a Tuesday night at Headquarters.
Further Information
John Bianchi,
Special Constables Training and Development Officer,
Aykley Heads,
DURHAM,
DH1 5TT
Telephone number : 0345 6060365 extension 6612696.
john.bianchi@durham.pnn.police.uk
