AN INTRODUCTION TO EMPLOYER SUPPORTED POLICING · Specials form a vital link between communities and the police service, and carry out duties that improve public safety and increase

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Specials form a vital link between communities and the police service, and carry out duties that improve public safety and increase confidence.

Even though they’re volunteers, Specials have the same powers as regular Police Constables, the same uniform, the same equipment and the same training.

So what’s so special about being a Special?

But Specials don’t have the same responsibilities as regular Constables, do they?

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An introduction to Employer Supported PolicingAn introduction to Employer Supported PolicingAn introduction to Employer Supported Policing

Specials form a vital link between communities and the police service, and carry out duties that improve public safety and increase confidence.

Even though they’re volunteers, Specials have the same powers as regular Police Constables, the same uniform, the same equipment and the same training.

So what’s so special about being a Special?

But Specials don’t have the same responsibilities as regular Constables, do they?

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Oh yes they do...

And they must follow the same code of ethics, apply the same rules of conduct, adhere to the same professional standards and are subject to the same disciplinary procedures.

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Attend incidents

Local operations

High visibility patrol

Assistingwith evidence

Special events

An introduction to Employer Supported Policing

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Attend incidents

Local operations



Special events

Specials can be sent to investigate reports of crime,youths causing annoyanceand other disturbances.

Attend incidents X


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Attend incidents

Local operations



Special eventsReassuring the public anddeterring crime by providinga local visible presence.

High visibility patrol X


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Attend incidents

Local operations



Special events

This can include things like crime reduction initiatives, or helping deal with anti-social behaviour caused by underage drinkers.

Local operations X


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Attend incidents

Local operations



Special events

Helping on the admin side with the preparation of information that’s to be used in court.

Assisting with evidence X


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Attend incidents

Local operations



Special events

Helping to manage large numbers of people and traffic at events such as football matches, parades and festivals.

Special events X


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Why give up time to be a Special?It’s exciting and challenging, and provides so many opportunities.You’ll receivefirst-class training and learn new skills that could prove useful in your work and home life.

You’ll makea real difference to your community – contributing to the right against crime and providing public reassurance.

You’ll getthe satisfaction of knowing that your family, friends and work colleaguesare proud of whatyou’re doing.

Flexible hours Allowances


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X

You can volunteer to undertake duty any day or night, at a time that suits you.


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XSpecials usually receive a subsistence allowancewhen completing over 4 hours of duty, and will be reimbursed for travel costs.


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It’s a

decision You’ll need to think about time, pressure, understanding, dedication and fitness

Whether or not to becomea Special Constable needs a great deal of consideration. The role requires commitment and dedication, and it comes with plenty of responsibilities.So it’s not for everyone.


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TimeYou’ll be expected to volunteer for a minimum of 16 hours per month – this helps ensure skills and competence are maintained.

PressureYou may be required to attend and deal with some very difficult situations – so you must be able to remain calm.

DedicationYou’ll need to be prepared to work out and about in all kinds of weather conditions – and be a real team player.

Age & fitnessYou must be physically fit and over 18 years old.

Understanding & empathyIt’s essential that you’re able to act with integrity, fairness and respect towards all sections of the community – and that you’re a good communicator.


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Eligibility You must:be at least 18 years of age

have been resident in the UK for at least 3 years prior to submitting an application (If out of the country for more than 6 months in the last 3 years you’ll have to provide sufficient information for necessary security vetting checks)

be a British citizen, or a member of EC or EEA, and be resident in the UK free of restrictions

have eyesight that’s 6/36 unaided

have no outstanding County Court Judgments

if registered as bankrupt, be 3 years from discharge date

• have no visible tattoos on hands, face or neck (rules may vary from force to force)

• have no convictions for theft, dishonesty, violence or public order offences

• have no drink driving convictions in the last 10 years (rules may vary from force to force)

• have no driving without insurance convictions in the last 5 years (rules may vary from force to force)

• have no cautions or juvenile convictions for recordable offences in the last 5 years

• be aware that certain security roles may pose a conflict of interest.

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Volunteering as a Special can provide a range of opportunities for you to learn more.

Personal development

Specialist training in things like Personal Safety, Unarmed Defence and First Aid.

Continuous professional development in fields such as Mental Health, Modern Slavery and Vulnerability Training.

Knowledge gained via attachments to specialist units dealing with Cyber Fraud, Roads Policing, Rural Crime and more.

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An introduction to Employer Supported PolicingAn introduction to Employer Supported Policing

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As a Special you’ll learn about communication and listening skills, leadership skills, and skills to help you deal with conflict.All of which will help you to be more adaptable and resilient, and better prepared to handle difficult situations.These types of skills, which will almost certainly increase your confidence, could also help with career progression and prove useful in your day-to-day life too.

A chance to build on your skills


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What’s it like being a Special?We asked a volunteer to tell us how a typical day as a Special might turn out.

To start with there’s a handover from the staff who were on the previous shift, and a briefing on the activities that are planned.

We get assigneda vehicle and then go out on patrol, assisting in searches for wanted people and stolen items. This can mean attending burglaries, assaults, drugraids and domestic violence incidents.

There may be some admin duties, like gathering information, creating arrest folders and helping with warrants.

Sometimes we might get tobe involved (asa passenger)in blue-light rapid response situations – pursuing vehicles that are stolen or have failed to stop. We may also be asked

to provide a presence at community events such as festivals and fireworks displays.

The shift always finishes with a debriefing.


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The six-step recruitment processStarting at the application stage, both your attitude and behaviour need to be of the highest standard.

Application form 11Assessment process 22Fitness test 33Medical 44Background & security 55Offer of appointment 66


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Fields to be completed include:

• Personal details• Employment and education• Why do you want to be a Special

Constable?• What do you expect to be doing on

duty?• What commitment can you give?• Are you eligible to become a Special

Constable?


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This may vary from force to force, but generally includes:

• Scenario-based assessment• Written skills• Competency-based interview• Skills, experience, community focus

and motivations.


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You’ll need to prove you’re physically fit enough to undertake the role ofa Special. So you’ll be asked to take what’s known as a ‘bleep test’. This involves running between two points, set 15 metres apart, at a speed dictated by the bleep.

You should train three or four times a week in preparation for the test, and consult a doctor if you have any problems engaging in strenuous exercise.


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This will include:

• Medical questionnaire• Full medical assessment• Eyesight and colour vision test• Upon completion you must be

declared ‘fit for duty’.


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The following checks, which may vary from force to force, will be carried out and information sought:

• Security vetting• References covering the past 3 years

will be required from all current and previous employers or, if you were in full-time education, the college or university attended

• Biometric vetting (fingerprints and DNA swabs are taken to eliminate applicant from crime links).


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If successful in the recruitment process, you’ll be offered an appointment (intakes per year vary from force to force). A uniform fitting will be arranged and you’ll receive details about the initial training programme and when it commences.


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So, you’re offered a place- what next?

The training plan

Officer safety training


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The training plan

Officer safety training

• Welcome evening• Induction weekend• Law training• Radio and computer training• First aid training• Skills development day (role plays• Officer safety training• Formal attestation ceremony (where

you’ll take the oath to serve the Queen and uphold the law)

• Operational deployment (probationary period)

• Confirmed in rank (after 12 months of successful service)


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The training plan

Officer safety training • National decision-making model• Unarmed defence skills• Use of handcuffs and rigid baton• Use of incapacitates (CS spray/PAVA)• Searching techniques• Scenario-based exercises


Police Support Volunteers undertake roles to support and enhance the day-to-day work undertaken by police officers and staff. By offering their time, energy and skills in a variety of roles they help address policing issues, enhance service delivery, focus on proactive prevention and strengthen links between policing and the community.

What is a Police Support Volunteer?

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What do Police Support Volunteers do?Police Forces have many roles available for Police Support Volunteers.Here are some:

Local Policing Volunteer

Volunteer Police Cadets

Fraud Prevention Volunteer

Events Volunteer

Cyber/Digital Volunteer


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Volunteer Police Cadet Team Leader

Bike Safe Volunteer

Help liaise with local communities to encourage community participation in policing issues, as well as supporting with administrative tasks too

Local Policing Volunteer X


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Bike Safe Volunteer

Engage with members of the community educating the vulnerable to help reduce and prevent fraud

Fraud Prevention Volunteer X


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Bike Safe Volunteer

Police Support Volunteers lead a team of Cadets to inspire and support young people to achieve more

Volunteer Police Cadets - Team Leader X


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Bike Safe Volunteer

Volunteers support recruitment and community events

Events Volunteer X


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Bike Safe Volunteer

A Cyber/Digital Volunteer is someone who gives their free time to help prevent crime and harm by applying their digital skills in support of policing

Cyber/Digital Volunteer X


Why be a Police Support Volunteer?It provides the opportunity to play a greater part in policing your local community.

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You’ll receive• Induction and on-the-

role training• Learn new skills• Meet new people

You’ll• Make a difference in

your community• Enhance self-

development & skills• Help support policing

demands• Enhance service delivery

You’ll get• the satisfaction of

knowing that your family, friends and work colleagues are proud of what you’re doing.

Flexible hours avilable Out of pocket expenses for travelling will be reinbursed


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The Police Support Volunteer Recruitment ProcessStarting at the application stage, both your attitude and behaviour need to be of the highest standard.

Application form 11Interview 22Medical Check 33Background & Security 44Offer of Appointment 55


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• Personal details• Education• Employment• What commitment can

you give• CV upload



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This may vary from force-to-force



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This may vary from force-to force



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The following checks, which may vary from force-to-force will be carried out : • Security checks• References



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If successful you will be offered an appointment. Some forces have a uniform for volunteers and you may be invited to an Induction.



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Eligibility You must:be at least 16 years of age

have been resident in the UK for at least 3 years prior to submitting an application (If out of the country for more than 6 months in the last 3 years you’ll have to provide sufficient information for necessary security vetting checks)

be a British citizen, or a member of EC or EEA, and be resident in the UK free of restrictions

have no outstanding County Court Judgments

if registered as bankrupt, be 3 years from discharge date

• have no visible tattoos on hands, face or neck (rules may vary from force to force)

• have no convictions for theft, dishonesty, violence or public order offences

• have no drink driving convictions in the last 10 years (rules may vary from force to force)

• have no driving without insurance convictions in the last 5 years (rules may vary from force to force)

• have no cautions or juvenile convictions for recordable offences in the last 5 years

• be aware that certain security roles may pose a conflict of interest.

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Do you fit the bill

?Police forces should be reflective of the communities they serve, and so they need tohave a diverse workforce.

To help achieve this they have an inclusive recruitment policy that welcomes people from all backgrounds.

Many forces are particularly keen to find people with language skills that will help improve communication with the local community.


The commitment to volunteering in policing is significant

The Employer Supported Policing scheme encourages organisations to allow Special Constables and Police Support Volunteers additional paid leave to volunteer. There are over 240 companies that give paid leave to Special Constables and Police Support Volunteers to volunteer in their communities

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So what is Employer Supported Policing?


We are asking organisations to consider releasing their staff who are Special Constables and Police Support Volunteers by giving them paid time off to undertake their volunteer police duties and/or training.

Organisations can promote ESP by actively encouraging their employees to volunteer as a Special Constable or Police Support Volunteer

How Can Your Organisation Get Involved?

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The best businesses not only reach reach out to respond to social problems in society (their corporate social responsibility), but also in their core business.

The government supports responsible businesses and by joining the Employer Supported Policing (ESP) Scheme you can:

Being a responsible business

NextContribute InteractInvest





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Contribute InteractInvest

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Genuinely invest in and become part of the communities in which you operate in





NextContribute InteractInvest

X

Contribute to building a strong society





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Contribute InteractInvest

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Aim for positive interactions and relationships with your employees


Why engage?• Increases diversity of

knowledge and skills in the workplace

• Offers your employers a rewarding scheme to participate in

• You can contribute to safer, more resilient empowered communities

• Supports wellbeing

• Promotes active citizenship & engagement with policing Next


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Benefits of ESP

Skills

Engagement

Reassurance

Development

Community

Wellbeing

Morale

Confidence


NextSkills

Reassurance

Development

Community

Wellbeing

Morale

ConfidenceEngagement

Improved engagement with police forces and the community

Benefits of ESP


NextSkills

Development

Community

Wellbeing

Morale


Public reassurance is increased due to visible policing

Reassurance

Benefits of ESP


NextSkills Community

Wellbeing

Morale


ReassuranceUnique experience of being a volunteer in policing offers a level of development that cannot be bought commercially

Development

Benefits of ESP


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Development

Community

Wellbeing

Morale


Reassurance Transferable skills – enhances the workforce

Benefits of ESP

Skills



Wellbeing

Morale

Engagement

Reassurance

Development

Volunteers in Policing are more committed, dependable, confident and responsible making good employers

Benefits of ESPConfidence


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Development

Community

Wellbeing


Reassurance

Skills

ESP supported volunteers have a more fulfilled relationship with employers leading to staff retention and improved morale

Benefits of ESP

Morale



Morale

Engagement

Reassurance

Development

ConfidenceResearch shows volunteering reduces stress, mentally stimulates and provides a sense of purpose which supports wellbeing in the workplace

Benefits of ESP

Wellbeing


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Development Wellbeing


Reassurance

Skills

Morale

Improved corporate visibility; supporting policing though ESP can improve an organisations reputation and raise awareness of their commitment to the community

Benefits of ESP

Community


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Some of the companies currently registered on the Employer Supported Policing Scheme


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Case StudyThe Employee’s Story“I joined Lancashire Special Constabulary because I wanted the opportunity to be able to give back to my community. Juggling my volunteer and paid role can be tricky at times, however Tesco are really flexible with my shifts to enable me to combine both duties. They offer 5 additional paid leave days per year under the Employer Supported Policing scheme, which really helps towards fulfilling my role as a volunteer police officer in the community.I really enjoy engaging with different members of the community, and it gives me a lot of satisfaction to be able to attend a variety of incidents to help problem solve community issues. I have developed skills such as resilience, team work and communication skills, all of which are transferable back into my paid workplace.”

MatthewCustomer AssistantTesco, Burnley

Tesco has 72 Special Constables that are Employer Supported

In 2017 Tesco contributed 1044 hours to policing in local communities via ESP

Tesco give 5 days’ additional leave per year for Special Constables to volunteer


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Case StudyThe Employers Story“We have hundreds of colleagues across the UK, just like Andy, who are volunteering their time to make a real difference in the community. Our Volunteering Policy enables our staff to support local charities andcommunity activities that are close totheir hearts. We’ve seen the benefitsthat volunteering, and specifically theEmployer Supported Policing, has onour staff, improving levels ofengagement, developing teambuilding skills and creating a sense ofpride in the organisation.”

Sharon Squire, Head of CorporateSocial Responsibility at Santander

The Employee’s StoryAndy works as a Card Alerts Customer Service Advisor at Santander for Santander. Andy says:“As a Special Constable I can make a positive impact on people’s lives and this is a gift that will keep on giving. Living within Lancashire and completing my policing degree at the University of Central Lancashire has meant the County has a big place in my heart. Helping to keep the streets of my home county safe is something I will always be honoured to do. Santander totally support my volunteer role by giving me 10 days additional paid leave per year; this makes work/life balance much easier.”

Santander give 10 days per year for Specials & 5 days per year for all other volunteering


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When you become an ESP partner you will receive: A letter of thanks | A certificate of participationThe ESP database will be updated to show that nationally you support policing via ESP. This system can also produce data to demonstrate how many hours of policing you and your employee that volunteers in policing has given.

As the partnership progresses a Certificate of Appreciation can also be awarded.


Employee volunteering is an effective and powerful way for businesses to invest in their

people and their local communities


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Who can I contact about becoming a Special or Police Support Volunteer?

Who can I contact to join the Employer Supported Policing Scheme?

Get in touch with your local Police Force to find out more by contacting [email protected] who’ll be able to provide more information

email: [email protected]


Documents

AN INTRODUCTION TO EMPLOYER SUPPORTED POLICING · Specials form a vital link between communities and the police service, and carry out duties that improve public safety and increase