The guidelines for joining the Special Constabulary are pretty much the same as that for a regular police officer.
We encourage people from all backgrounds to join the organisation. Some occupations are considered incompatible with becoming a special however, for example, if you are a member of the armed forces, a doorperson or working for a security organisation.
Below are some guidelines for new applicants:
Age
You must be at least 18 years old to become a police officer. There is no upper age limit, but bear in mind that the normal retirement age for police constables and sergeants is 60.
Nationality
You must be a British citizen, an EC/EEA national or a Commonwealth citizen or foreign national with no restrictions on your stay in the United Kingdom. Foreign nationals and UK citizens who have lived abroad may have to wait some time for security and vetting clearance.
Education
No formal education is necessary, but you will be required to pass a written, numerical, and logical reasoning test should you clear the initial application stage.
Physical Fitness
You must be physically fit in order to effectively complete the duties required of a police officer. All applicants must pass a basic fitness test before appointment.
Health
Applicants must be in good health mentally and physically to deal with the pressures and demands of police work. You will be required to undergo a medical examination to ensure you meet the health standards required. This will include an eye test, where failure to pass will unfortunately lead to rejection.
Height Restrictions
There are no minimum or maximum height requirements.
Tattoos
Tatoos which are particularly prominent, garish, offensive or undermine the dignity and authority of your role are unacceptable. This guideline also applies to facial piercings.
Financial Status
All applicants will have their financial status checked. These checks are carried out because police officers have access to privileged information, which may make them vulnerable to corruption. Any applicants with outstanding County Court judgements, who have been registered bankrupt with outstanding debts, will be rejected. If you have discharged bankruptcy debts then you will need to provide a Certificate of Satisfaction with your application.
Criminal Record
You may still be eligible to join the police service if you have minor convictions/cautions, but there are certain offences and conditions that will make you ineligible. This includes anyone who has received a formal caution in the last five years, committed a violent crime or public order offence. When making our decisions we are guided by Home Office Circular
54/2003. You can view this document on the Home Office website.
Previous applications
You can only apply to one police constabulary at any one time. If you have previously applied to join the police service and been unsuccessful, you must wait six months from your initial rejection before you can apply again.
Membership of the BNP or a similar organisation
South Wales Police has a policy of prohibiting any of our officers or staff from becoming members of the BNP, or a similar organisation whose aims, objectives or pronouncements may contradict the duty to promote race equality. If you are, or have previously been a member of the BNP or a similar organisation, your application may be rejected.