New to Policing? Recruitment Opens April 2026

If you’re not currently serving as a Special Constable, recruitment is currently OPEN.

Click here for 2026 Expression of Interest

Already a Special Constable? Transfer to Durham

We’re currently accepting applications from serving Special Constables in other UK police forces who want to transfer to Durham Constabulary.

If you’re already volunteering as a Special and want to continue your policing journey in County Durham and Darlington, now is the time to apply. We’ll aim to recognise your existing rank, skills, and training where possible.

Please email [email protected] for more information.

Why Join Durham’s Special Constabulary?

Our Special Constabulary is one of the most operationally focused in the country. As a Special Constable, you hold the same powers as a regular officer, wear the same uniform, and work side-by-side with regular colleagues on real policing duties -- all while volunteering your time.

We offer:

• A welcoming, supportive environment
• A strong, operationally focused team culture
• Opportunities for specialist training -- including taser, public order, and advanced driving -- subject to role and operational need
• The chance to serve your community and make a real difference

 

What Do Special Constables Do?

Special Constables are frontline police officers -- fully warranted, professionally trained, and held to the same standards as regular officers. The uniform is the same. The powers are the same. The public rarely know the difference, and that’s exactly the point.

What makes Specials unique is that they do it all voluntarily. They give up their time -- evenings, weekends, holidays -- to protect the public and support their regular colleagues. And they’re a vital part of modern policing.

A Real Policing Role

This isn’t a shadowing or observer role. Specials in Durham are operational. You’ll be trusted to handle real incidents, make decisions under pressure, and be the calm, clear voice when someone dials 999.

Depending on where you’re based and what’s happening that day, your shift might involve:

• Responding to emergency calls -- anything from a burglary in progress to a domestic incident or missing person
• Attending road traffic collisions -- helping control scenes, support victims, and assist with investigations
• Arresting suspects -- using your powers and judgement to protect the public and uphold the law
• Patrolling on foot or in a police vehicle -- offering visibility, reassurance, and deterrence
• Investigating crime -- taking statements, collecting evidence, and supporting case files
• Working with neighbourhood teams -- building relationships and problem-solving in communities
• Supporting safeguarding work -- engaging with vulnerable people, reporting concerns, and protecting those at risk
• Taking part in proactive operations -- targeting known offenders, assisting with warrants, or supporting road safety campaigns

Many of our Specials operate independently or lead initial responses. Some go on to secure full-time policing roles or take on specialist volunteer responsibilities in areas such as Roads Policing or Neighbourhoods.

Teamwork at the Core

You won’t do it alone. As a Special Constable, you’re a fully integrated member of the team. You’ll work side-by-side with regular colleagues, PCSOs, detectives, control room staff, and other operational teams -- all pulling in the same direction.

You’ll also become part of the Durham Specials team -- a close-knit, supportive group of people who look out for each other.

Room to Grow

Once you’re trained and experienced, there are opportunities to specialise. Some of our Special Constables go on to:

• Complete blue-light and advanced driver training
• Deploy with Roads Policing Units
• Support public order operations
• Assist in major events or football policing
• Work with detectives on longer-term investigations
• Mentor newer Specials and help with training

We’ll support your development -- whether your long-term goal is to become a regular officer or continue as an experienced volunteer.

A Lasting Impact

The people you help will remember you. You may never see them again, but you’ll be part of their story.

When someone calls the police, they’re not asking for a paid officer -- they’re asking for help. The person who turns up could be a Special Constable, and that could change everything.

The Training

All Specials undergo initial police training covering core law, officer safety, emergency first aid, procedures, safeguarding, and more. You’ll be supported throughout and trained to a professional operational standard.

For transferees, existing training and experience will be considered. We’ll provide any top-up inputs needed to ensure your deployment ready.

What’s in it for You?

Volunteering as a Special Constable is demanding -- but hugely rewarding. You’ll gain:

• Real experience in high-pressure situations
• Confidence, discipline, and resilience
• A strong team ethic and close friendships
• Skills that are valuable in any career -- policing or otherwise
• The pride that comes from giving something back to your community

The Commitment

We ask Specials to volunteer at least 16 hours per month over a three-month period. Many give more -- but we’ll work with you to balance shifts around your other commitments.

Shifts are flexible and can include evenings, weekends, and public holidays. You can work with local neighbourhood teams, response units, or other specialist areas depending on need and development.

Expenses and Support

You won’t be paid for your time, but you will receive:

• Full training and uniform
• Reimbursement for travel and duty-related expenses
• Access to ongoing development opportunities
• Support from experienced officers and supervisors

 

Ready to Join?

Recruitment Event – 13 April 2026

Come to our open evening on Monday 13th April at Meadowfield Training Centre, see the live demonstrations, and speak to people already doing the job.

Sign up for event here

Transferees

If you’re already a Special Constable looking for a new challenge -- apply now and bring your skills to a team that values your contribution.

Email [email protected]

Brand New to Policing

If you’re brand new to policing -- applications for new Specials reopen week 2 of April 2026.

Cick here

 

Questions? Want to speak informally?

Contact: [email protected]

Special Superintendent, Durham Constabulary