Are you good with people and passionate about helping others?
Do you want to build your self-confidence, leadership, and communication skills?
Kent Police has an exciting and unique opportunity for you to become a special constable. Training start date: 3 October 2026
Volunteering as a special constable is great way to build relationships and develop new skills. Gain a deeper understanding of the community you live and work in, whilst doing something rewarding. You can volunteer at times which fit around your home life and work commitments – we can make your shifts work for you. All we ask is that you volunteer a minimum of 16 hours per month – the maximum number of hours you deliver is up to you.
Special constables work on the frontline, wear the same uniform, carry the same equipment, and hold the same power as regular police officers. They play a key role in dealing with offenders, victims of crime, vulnerable people and supporting the diverse communities we serve.
It’s a varied role, so you’ll need to be ready for anything. One thing is certain – no two days will be the same!
Eligibility
To join us, you’ll need:
- outstanding resilience and dedication.
- to love variety and to not shy away from what can sometimes be difficult situations
- to be a natural communicator who is able to build instant rapport with people from all walks of life
- to be able to remain calm under pressure
You will not be eligible to apply if:
- you have been unsuccessful following a special constable interview in the last six months
- you have ever received a custodial sentence (other cautions, convictions and involvement with the police must be declared, but are not necessarily a bar to employment)
- you have previously been dismissed from another force
- you have been declared bankrupt, have a CCJ or an IVA
- you have tattoos of any kind on your face or neck
This post is open to those who:
- are over the age of 18 (you can apply at 17, but won’t be offered the position until you turn 18)
- are British citizens, nationals of the EEA or commonwealth citizens who have no time limit on their stay in the UK, and who have lived in the UK continuously for the past three years
- have not been unsuccessful in an application as a special constable with another Home Office force in the last six months
- have a full Category B driving licence
Training
Your training will be delivered at Kent Police College in Maidstone. During this time, you will learn the skills and knowledge needed to become a warranted special constable at Accompanied Patrol Status (APS). This means you can go out on patrol with a qualified officer. Training runs every other weekend over several months, usually from 9am to 5pm.
What’s in it for you?
Being a special is not an easy role and you may be thinking ‘what will I get out of this?’ The answer is: A lot.
Joining Kent Special Constabulary opens opportunities for personal and professional advancement. Undergoing the training and then going out on patrol makes a welcome break from day-to-day life, bringing excitement and challenge with every day that you volunteer.
In return for your hard work, you will:
- make a difference in society, helping reduce and resolve crime, keep people safe including the vulnerable
- give back to the community
- boost your CV
- learn new skills including understanding law and police procedure, communication skills, IT skills, first aid and self-defence
- increase your self-confidence
- have the opportunity of internal progression to become a regular police officer without undergoing the full-training programme
Vetting
This post requires a level of vetting and security clearance. Please read out vetting requirements before applying – www.kent.police.uk/vetting
Tattoos and piercings
If you have a tattoo, you'll be asked to provide a brief and accurate description and two digital colour photos of each tattoo:
- a distance photograph to clearly identify where on your body the tattoo is
- a close-up photograph which clearly identifies the images in the tattoo
Take the first step and find your reason to volunteer.
Benefits:
- Company events
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Gym membership
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
