What is a Special?
Special Constables
- Wear the same uniform as regular police officers
- Have the same powers and responsibilities
- Enjoy all the variety of policing London
- Come from all walks of life
- Volunteer 16 hours of their time a month
Whatever you do for a living, there is no more rewarding way to spend your free time than as a special constable with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).
Special constables volunteer at least 16 hours a month to work alongside regular police officers. Wearing the same uniform, and having the same powers and responsibilities as regular officers, they enjoy all the variety of policing London. This could involve carrying out foot and vehicle patrols, assisting at accidents, providing security at public events or taking part in 'hotspot' operations.
Although you won't be paid, your training and duties will give you unique experiences, new and valuable skills, plus a tremendous sense of achievement of doing something worthwhile for your community.
Click here to see our specials in action
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Epaulettes
Just like regular officers all special constables will have individual ID numbers, this is known as their shoulder number.
Radio
The airwave radio is your first point of communication with all 32 boroughs in the Met, this is also a vital link to information you may require whilst completing any checks on duty.
MetVest
All special constables are issued with a personally fitted MetVest. The wearing of a MetVest is compulsory on all operational deployments.
Utility Belt
The utility belt will include your handcuffs, CS spray, gloves, ASP and a mobile first aid kit which you will wear every time you go out on duty.
Uniform
Specials constables wear the same uniform as regular officers. Once you have passed the relevant stages you will be issued with your MPS Special Constables uniform.