What is a Special?
Special Constables
Training to be a special constable with the Metropolitan Police Service will equip you with the necessary skills and capabilities you need to be there for London. What’s more, it will help you develop personally and boost your confidence.
To find out more about our training and how it can help you, click on the ‘Train to be a Special’ button below.
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
Recruitment Update:
Due to operational requirements from July to September 2012, we will be closing the online application form for special constables. We will not accept any new applications after 4pm on Wednesday, 23 May 2012 until further notice.
If you are in the process of completing your online application you will have until 4pm on Wednesday, 23 May 2012 to submit the application. Your application will still be processed, however, it will take longer than our standard timescales.
Information will be posted to the website about how you can register your interest in becoming a special constable after 23 May 2012.
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.