Will I be paid the same rate as a police officer?
Special constables do not get paid as they work on a voluntary basis. You will however be able to claim back any expenses incurred.
Will I wear the same uniform as a police officer?
Uniforms for special constables are exactly the same as police officer uniforms, except their epaulettes will be marked SC (Special Constable) instead of PC (Police Constable).
Can special constables drive police vehicles?
Once special constables have completed their training, they are able to drive unmarked (plain) police cars.
I want to apply to become a special constable but I have asthma. Does this mean my application will be rejected?
If you are successful in the assessment centre stage of recruitment you will undergo a medical examination, and unless your asthma is severe, it will not affect your application.
Can you become a special constable if you wear glasses or contact lenses?
If you successfully reach the medical examination stage of recruitment, you will have to undergo an eye test.
New recruits must have at least 6/12 vision in their right or left eye, or at least 6/6 vision in both eyes.
Those who wear glasses, spectacles or contact lenses must have at least 6/36 vision in both eyes without wearing their glasses, spectacles or contact lenses.
I am epileptic – can I still apply?
You can apply to become a police officer as long as you have not had an epileptic attack or taken medication for the illness within the last two years. Your doctor will need to supply a medical report for clarification.
I have diabetes – can I still apply?
Yes as long as your diabetes is under control. Your doctor will need to supply a medical report for clarification.
Is there a height restriction for special constables?
No, there is no minimum or maximum height.
I am not a British citizen – will this affect my application?
You can still apply to become a police officer as long as you are a citizen from the European Economic Area (EEA), Commonwealth citizen or foreign national with no restrictions on your stay in the United Kingdom. In accordance with Home Office guidance and the Association of Chief Police Officers’ National Vetting Policy, candidates are reminded that they must have been continually resident in the UK for the three year period immediately before an application is made. This is to satisfy the requirement to vet all applicants in an equitable manner and the UK Police service does not currently have any means of facilitating vetting checks overseas, to the extent required of those who have been resident in the UK. Applicant’s who cannot be vetted, cannot be appointed.
I turn 18 in December but the closing date of application is October. Can I still apply?
No, you must be 18 when the application is submitted.
What happens if my application is unsuccessful?
If unfortunately you do not pass the initial application stage, we will notify you by post. You can reapply to join South Wales Police six months from the date of your notification letter, but only if we are currently recruiting.
I failed the assessment centre – what happens next?
If unfortunately you do not pass the assessment centre stage, we will notify you by post. You can reapply to join South Wales Police six months from the date of your notification letter, but only if we are currently recruiting.
I have a criminal record. Does this mean I can’t apply?
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 National Policing Improvement Agency Circular 01/2010. You can view this document on the NPIA website.
If I have a condition which I believe may affect my performance in examination conditions will any consideration be given?
The NPIA have specific guidance on reasonable adjustment please refer to NPIA website.