Nottinghamshire Police launch a new special constable recruitment drive, with event to be held at police HQ Sherwood Lodge on June 27

Nottinghamshire Police has launched a new recruitment drive to encourage people to consider an additional career as a special constable.

Special constables, often known as specials, are part-time volunteers who work alongside police officers from across the force, with the added flexibility to fit their responsibilities around a full-time job and private life.

They can work as part of response, operations, neighbourhoods, events, specialist units, and on the beat in our communities – increasing the force’s presence on the street.

The police say specials come from all walks of life – from university students, office workers, and public sector staff, to those who have retired, often volunteering their spare time in the evenings and weekends.

A special constable has the same powers, uniform, and responsibilities as a police officer, but they work voluntarily, dealing with incidents that most will never encounter, and take part in frontline police work, while also serving and protecting their community.

Anyone is eligible, subject to requirements, to apply for a special constable role — the force is also keen to encourage people from diverse and minority ethnic backgrounds to apply and is particularly interested to hear from women, members of the LGBT+ community, and people from ethnic backgrounds.

Successful applicants receive full operational training, can develop their knowledge, and learn new skills as part of a key role in preventing crime, tackling anti-social behaviour, protecting vulnerable people, and responding to emergency incidents.

For anyone interested in learning more about volunteering and the role of special constables, an open careers event will be held on Thursday, June 27, where members of the public can speak with officers and staff.

The event is taking place at Nottinghamshire Police Joint Headquarters, Sherwood Lodge Drive, Nottingham, NG5 8PP, between 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

Special Chief Inspector Antonio Taylor leads the force’s programme to recruit special constables.

He said: “Special constables are an integral part of Nottinghamshire Police.

“The role provides a unique opportunity for people to spend some of their spare time making a true and significant difference in their communities.

“We recognise the benefit that different life experiences and perspectives can bring to policing and it is my privilege to lead this campaign to encourage people from all backgrounds to consider a role with the force.”

Special Superintendent Grant White, head of Nottinghamshire Police’s Special Constabulary, said: “Special constables are at the heart of keeping our communities and residents safe.

“They support a wide range of duties including responding to incidents, neighbourhood policing, and events.

“It is a fantastic role filled with new experiences and the ability to make a real difference to people’s lives in Nottinghamshire.”