The Special Constable Role (Volunteer Police Officer)

South Wales Police is the largest police force in Wales and although geographically small, covering around 812 square miles and equating to just 10% of the geographical area of Wales, South Wales Police provides a policing service to 1.3 million people (42% of the country’s population).

South Wales is a diverse region, boasting urban, rural and coastal areas and featuring the two largest cities in Wales – Swansea and the capital city, Cardiff. The force also serves 63 of the 100 most deprived communities in Wales.

We are committed to developing our staff and providing them with the best support and resources to enable them to effectively support our local communities.

As a force we are investing heavily in the latest technology and the welfare of staff and officers. South Wales Police have been at the heart of many major events - the Champion’s League, NATO and the Olympics are just some of the events that we’ve hosted here in South Wales in recent times.

Join and help us be the best at understanding and responding to our communities’ needs.

Once successful in your application you will complete a part time initial training programme which covers classroom based teaching, practical training and distance learning. After this you will begin to carry out your role as a special constable, working alongside an experienced police officer or special constable until you are ready to work independently. You will be expected to commit at least 16 hours a month for the rest of your service.

During your service you will deal with a varied range of incidents. There will be times when you will experience confrontation; you will arrest suspects and attend often distressing events, but it won’t be all blue lights and car chases.

You will be there for people in times of need, there will be occasions when you don’t finish your shift on time and when it feels like all you do is complete paperwork. But if you have the drive to make a difference in your community you will get a great deal out of working alongside full-time officers to make South Wales safer.

As a Special Constable you may be able to benefit from Employer Supported Policing (ESP).

ESP is a national scheme supported by the Home Office whereby organisations release their employees on paid leave to volunteer as Special Constable or Police Support Volunteer.

This partnership benefits employers, their staff, the police service, and the communities they serve.

There are currently over 400 employers who are signed up to the scheme.

Special Constable salary information

Special Constables do not get paid as they work on a voluntary basis. You will however be able to claim back any expenses incurred during the course of your duty for example travelling expenses.

When you become a Special Constable you will benefit from:

• Paid membership to The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW).
• Discounts from various retailers via the Blue Light Scheme.
• Access to Sports and Social clubs
• Access to subsidised gyms throughout the force area.
• Access to our Occupational Health & Wellbeing Services. Access to Vivup – our 24 hour independent professional support service.
• Support and advice from our Staff Associations and Networks including – Gender Equality Network, LGBT+ Network, Black Police Association, Disability Support Network, Neurodiversity Network, Christian Police Association, Association of Muslim Police.

The Special Constabulary within South Wales Police has its own rank structure.

It is led by the Special Constabulary Chief Officer, who is supported by the Special Superintendent, Special Inspectors, and Special Sergeants.

Once Special Constables have achieved independent patrol status, there is the possibility for them to take on extra responsibilities by progressing through the ranks.

Alternatively, they can seek to specialise in an area of policing such as with our Roads Policing Unit.