Frequently Asked Questions
Expand the tabs below for more information.
You will need to provide the following:
- Your Police Service History
- Your employment or education history covering the last 5 years
- Photos of any tattoos you have (if applicable)
A process can take between three and six months from application launch to start date, dependent on an applicant’s individual circumstances.
Once application eligibility has been confirmed, you will be invited to attend an in-person Force Structured Interview.
We will contact your HR Personnel Department and Professional Standards Unit once you have been successful at interview.
Devon and Cornwall
If you reside outside of 30 miles from Force HQ Middlemoor, you may be able to request accommodation on site.
Dorset
There is no accommodation on site. You will need to make your own arrangements to and from HQ Winfrith.
You will still be eligible to re-join, however you will need to complete a new-recruit training course, due to potential skill fade.
Yes, you would be covered by Devon & Cornwall/Dorset Police's insurance if you were injured on duty as a Special Constable.
You will not require a driving licence to join Devon & Cornwall or Dorset Police as a Special Constable.
The requirement is 16 hours a month and these hours are flexible around your work and home life. It is surprising how easy it is to fit in around your days. We have a number of companies that are signed up to ESP (Employee supportive program) which will allow you a set number of days a year to work as a Special Constable.
Transferees: Provided you have completed a fitness test within the past 12 months with your current force, you will not need to complete a fitness test to transfer. It is your responsibility to ensure you are in date with your fitness test when you join.
Re-Joiners: We require you to do a bleep test which is to 5.4 (equivalent to running 3 minutes and 30 seconds)
You will be able to re-sit your interview after three months if unsuccessful.
Several jobs are considered incompatible with the role of a Special Constable. Please check the list through the documents in the links below to ensure your current employment will allow your application to proceed:
An assessment of your training needs will be made by our Learning & Development team once you have been successful at interview.