Dorset Police launches new Special Constable recruitment campaign
By: Jake Brewer – BAJ accredited journalist
Dorset Police is launching a new recruitment campaign for special constables and is encouraging people looking for a volunteering opportunity – and the chance to learn new skills – to apply.
Special constables are an integral part of the Force. They are volunteer police officers who, once trained, have the same powers as regular police officers, helping to protect and support communities across Dorset.
The campaign aims to attract both new recruits and existing special constables from other forces who may be considering a transfer. Successful candidates will join the Force in September 2026, with a further intake planned for March 2027.
Applicants will need to commit to at least 16 hours per month. In return, they will gain valuable experience, develop new skills and play a vital role in helping to keep Dorset a safe county for everyone.
As a new special constable, recruits will complete six months of training delivered across weekends and evenings. Following this initial training period, they will move directly into neighbourhood policing teams, working alongside regular officers and police staff colleagues while continuing to develop their knowledge and experience on the job.
Recognising that choosing a role in policing is a significant decision, Dorset Police has created a range of information and videos outlining what the role involves, through its “Special Constables – Who, What, How and Why – Working in Partnership” pages on the Force website.
The Force will also host a series of online awareness events in the coming months, with dates to be announced. In addition, candidates will be offered support from an “application buddy” to guide them through the recruitment process.
Acting Chief Officer Ben Deeks said:
“This is a really exciting time for the Special Constabulary. Not only will this campaign bring in new people to our fantastic team of special constables, but we are also enhancing our training offer. We have just launched the Special Constable Learning Programme (SCLP), which provides a training and development pathway to all new and existing special constables.
“It is built upon the same foundation as the training delivered to regular police constables, covering topics like law, police powers, public order and investigation, and uses a blend of online, face-to-face and on-the-job learning.
“It also aligns with the new non-degree diploma entry route Police/Detective Constable Entry Programme (PCEP/DCEP) whereby the learning and experience gained under SCLP can be recognised if a special constable decides to transition to a regular police constable role.”
The newly launched Special Constable Learning Programme ensures that training is consistent with that of regular officers, offering a clear pathway for those who may wish to pursue a policing career in the future.
Anyone interested in finding out more about the role of special constable, the eligibility criteria and how to apply can visit the Dorset Police website and view the “Special Constables – Who, What, How and Why – Working in Partnership” section.
