Why do it?

The Merseyside Police Special Constabulary is looking for extra officers to maintain the very high standards expected by the community of Merseyside.

Today’s volunteers for the Special Constabulary carry on a proud tradition. Join and you will find yourself shoulder to shoulder with teachers, bus drivers, solicitors and postmen-ordinary people like you who want to help in policing the community. People who care.

As a Special Constable you are a vital link between the regular force and the community. You work with regular officers and you will be valued by them and their respect will be earned by your commitment. Specials have the same powers as their regular colleagues, and in Merseyside are given training and equipment second-to-none anywhere in the country. Your duties could include assisting regulars on patrol, crime prevention or helping out at sporting events.

You may have to deal with trickier situations such as public order, fires, burglaries and road accidents.

As a Special Constable you will have the chance to enjoy much of the variety associated with police work. A lot of people find being out on the streets, either on foot or on mobile patrol, a welcome change from their usual occupation, while others prefer station duties. Whatever you do, you will learn more about human nature than most people ever will and you will begin to look at life in a different and more fascinating light. Most of all you will discover a lot you did not know about yourself and your capabilities, which in turn will increase your self-respect and self-confidence.

The Special Constabulary is great training for life where you feel a considerable sense of pride at the contribution you are making to your community, and what could be more rewarding than seeing the community of Merseyside united against crime?

It takes a special blend of skills and qualities to become a Merseyside Police Special Constable. Variety and physical exertion are combined with extensive public contact and a high level of personal responsibility.

Minimum requirements to join

 You must be at least 18½ and no more than 50 years of age
 You must be in good health
 You must be a British or Commonwealth citizen, or citizen of the Irish Republic permanently resident in the United Kingdom. (Commonwealth citizens must have the right to permanently live in the United Kingdom).
 You must have a sound general education
 You must satisfy strict character criteria

If having read this you feel you have the qualities required to be a Merseyside Police Special Constable, and would like to join or just obtain further information, please ring Lisa Lennon on our helpline on 0151-777 8244 or click on www.merseyside.police.uk