Special constable training

The Special Constable Learning Programme (SCLP) is designed to provide special constables with the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to be effective in their role. It covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Law and order
• Police powers
• Public order
• Investigation
• Community engagement
• Personal safety

The SCLP is delivered through a combination of online learning, face-to-face training and on-the-job learning.

Phase one learning

Phase One Learning is 13 weeks long. Induction: Saturday TBC 8am-4pm

Training: Mondays and Thursdays, 6pm-9pm, online via Microsoft Teams. Sessions will be recorded for students who cannot attend live.

Mandatory face-to-face training

Due to the nature of the subject matter, some training is best delivered face-to-face at our training centre at Meadowfield. These sessions rely on practical exercises and are mandatory for all students. They cannot be recorded.

Further reading

Students will be expected and encouraged to carry out further reading throughout this phase of learning. This is to prepare students for upcoming subject content and will be set by your trainers throughout the programme. There are a number of mandatory E-Learning packages that students will be required to complete alongside each of the five modules.

Mentoring

Qualified special constables will act as mentors throughout Phase One to help put training into context of the operational workspace.

Personal safety training

Personal safety training, which covers the managing conflict learning, will be delivered over three weekends.

Weekend learning event

Phase one learning will end with a weekend learning event. The aim will be to consolidate all learning in preparation for Accompanied Patrol Status (APS) and address any areas of concern identified throughout the previous training. This will be mandatory for all students to attend.

Attestation

At the attestation event is when you obtain your powers and are "attested as a constable by making a declaration before a justice of the peace that he will duly execute the office of constable" 

Note: This programme is subject to change depending on availability of guest speakers and specialist trainers.

By the end of phase one learning

Special constables will have established a solid foundation of knowledge and understanding, and developed practical skills aligned to the College of Policing's education qualifications framework (PEFQ): SCLP curriculum. Special constables will be in a position to move into the operational workspace alongside an experienced officer for the next stage of their learning and development. During this next stage special constables will work towards demonstrating their occupational competence by completing a portfolio supported by the PEQF team.