Special Constables

The British Transport Police are recruiting Special Constables - Join us and make a difference!

The British Transport Police is searching for passionate individuals to join us as Special Constables. If you're eager to make a real impact in your community, particularly within the railway environment, then this opportunity might be exactly what you've been looking for.

As a volunteer police officer, you'll have the same authority as our full-time counterparts, playing a crucial role in upholding the safety and security of the public during their travels. Given the essential role of the UK's railways in facilitating millions of journeys and transporting vital goods daily, your contribution will be vital in ensuring a safe and efficient transportation network and improving public confidence.

Teaming up with our experienced officers, you'll confront a diverse range of challenges, from combating criminal activity to offering support to vulnerable individuals and communities. Your duties will include patrolling stations and trains, responding swiftly to incidents by car, and providing a reassuring presence to both passengers and staff.

To become part of our policing family, you'll need to demonstrate outstanding resilience, commitment, and a readiness to devote at least 16 hours per month to your responsibilities. If you're new to the role of Special Constable, don't worry – we'll offer comprehensive training and support to ensure you're fully prepared for the challenges ahead. Regardless of your background, you are a valued member of our policing family, with all expenses covered and ample opportunities for personal and professional development

What skills do you need to apply?

• As one of our Special Constables, you’ll need to love variety and to not shy away from what can sometimes be difficult situations.
• You will need to be a natural communicator who is able to build instant rapport with people from all walks of life.
• As a Special Constable, you’ll need to be diplomatic in your approach and able to remain calm under pressure.

In return for your hard work, you will:

• As a volunteer police officer, make a difference in society, helping reduce and resolve crime, keep people safe including the vulnerable
• As a volunteer, give back to the community.
• Have a rewarding role where no two days are ever the same.
• Have the same powers and uniform as full-time officers!
• Boost your CV.
• Travel Benefits (dependent on location)
• Learn new skills including understanding law and police procedure, communication skills, IT skills, first aid, self-defence, and railway track safety skills.
• Increased self-confidence
• Have the opportunity of internal progression to become a regular Police Officer (fast track scheme)

We are looking for Special Constables in the following areas:

We are recruiting for new Special Constables to join us throughout the country at the following locations. Joining the UK’s only national police force as a volunteer, you’ll take on a crucial frontline role in one of the most challenging environments there is.

B Division: London, Southend, Colchester, Ashford, Benfleet, Bournemouth, Brighton, Cambridge, Croydon, Ebbsfleet, Finsbury Park, Gatwick, Hammersmith, London Bridge, Liverpool Street, Luton, Maidstone, Norwich, Paddington, Southampton, Stockwell, Stratford, Victoria, Wembley Park, West Ham and Wimbledon.

C Division: Truro, Coventry, Crewe, Derby, Lancaster, Leeds, Leicester, Lincoln, Liverpool, Plymouth, Preston, Reading, Shrewsbury, Swansea and York.

*Please note this is a talent pool for future intakes throughout 2024/25.

We want our organisation to be as diverse as the community it serves and welcome applications from everyone.  Please be assured that all applications will be judged on their individual merit and no other factors. We are committed to improving inclusivity, accessibility, and employment opportunities throughout our organisation. We welcome applicants to share any specific needs or requirements with us throughout both the recruitment process and in the workplace. Please let us know if there are any adjustments you require, and we will be able to discuss this with you in further detail.

Application process and eligibility:

Applying is straightforward, with all applications completed online. Ensure all questions are answered to avoid declination.

We do need to let you know that you will not be eligible to apply if:

• You have been unsuccessful following a BTP Special Constable/PC interview in the last 6 months.
• You have been unsuccessful following BTP vetting checks within the last 12 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 un-managed IVA.
• You have tattoos that are deemed offensive;  A visible tattoo is permissible, as long as it is not on the face, head or front or side of the neck. Visible tattoos are permissible on other areas of the body, including hands, arms, legs, and feet. A visible tattoo is also permissible on the back of the neck as long as the tattoo is discreet and behind the ear lobe. Discreet tattoos on the ear are also considered acceptable. Consideration will be given to tattoos on the face that were necessary following medical procedures or for cosmetic procedures e.g. eyebrows.
• You have the permanent right to live and work in the UK without any restrictions.

Prohibited Occupations:

Please download and check the document below before applying. If you do sit under any of the prohibited Occupations that BTP do not allow, then you will not be eligible to apply and will be sifted out at shortlisting stage. 

For further information on our eligibility criteria, please have a read through the attached recruitment pack as it contains lots of useful information for you.

You can apply if you have a live application with another Police force.

Closing Date:

The application deadline is 23:00 hours on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024. Early submission is encouraged to avoid disappointment

Positive Action:

At BTP we are proud guardians of the railway, and it is crucial that we represent the diverse communities we serve and protect. As ‘One BTP’ across the UK, we know that diversity, inclusion and belonging help us improve our decision making, foster creativity and drive innovation so all our people can thrive.

Our vacancies are open to everyone, and all appointments are made based on merit. So that we can become more diverse we encourage applications from candidates from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, women, people who have a disability, those who are neurodiverse and persons who identify as LGBTQI+. We use positive action to encourage potential candidates from underrepresented groups through targeted workshops or advice sessions.  If you have the skills, experience, and values that here in BTP we pride ourselves on then we would welcome you to apply.

For more information on Positive Action please click here or email the team on RecruitmentTeam@btp.police.uk

On a final note...

If you want to ask us any awkward or ‘obvious’ questions, if you are you unsure whether your personal circumstances are suitable for a career as a Special Constable but don’t know how to talk to us about it OR have any questions about the application process, please email our friendly and helpful team where we will be happy to help you: RecruitmentTeam@btp.police.uk. If your question related to equality or diversity then you can also contact our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion team directly at: PART-Recruitment@btp.police.uk To reassure you, anything you ask us will be in the strictest confidence and will not form part of your application.

We look forward to receiving your application! Join the BTP family today.