Applications are open to join Wiltshire Police as a ‘Special Accountant’

Wiltshire Police has opened applications for people to join the Force as a special constable, with the aim of recruiting almost 40 volunteer officers to the force over the next year.

Special constables, or specialists as they are sometimes known, are volunteer officers who have the same powers and responsibilities as regular full-time officers and perform the same roles.

Specialists come from all walks of life and volunteer their free time for at least 16 hours a month. They are highly trained and play a vital role in preventing, reducing and tackling crime and keeping the communities of Wiltshire safe.

Being a special constable means investigating crimes, dealing with incidents of violence or public order, helping to find missing persons, attending road collision scenes and many other incidents in which ordinary officers are involved.

In April 2024, special constables contributed 2,269 volunteer hours, which equates to 14.2 full-time officers.

DCC Craig Dibdin said: “Volunteers have always played a vital role in policing and Special Constables really are an integral part of Wiltshire Police.

“They are dedicated individuals who bring a unique set of skills and life experience. They volunteer their time to serve their community and in doing so help us deliver our policing plan to keep Wiltshire safe.”

Rob Bewey has been a volunteer Special Constable with Wiltshire Police for 20 years. He said: “This is the best thing I’ve ever done. The reason I joined the special police was to serve the community where I live and work and to keep the people of Swindon and the surrounding areas safe.”

Ben Williamson worked as a special agent for 12 years. He wanted to join as a regular police officer, but enjoyed the freedom of being a Special. He said it was a remarkable moment for him “Locating and apprehending someone for murder and sentencing him to 24 years in prison.” He added that “It’s the best volunteering in the world.”

Nigel Todd has been a special volunteer with Wiltshire Police for 31 years. He said: “I was the first responder to a stabbing where my prompt actions helped save a life, which is a memory that has always stayed with me. Another important experience was assisting repatriations in Royal Wootton Bassett on many occasions. Both events resulted in a Chief Constable’s award.”

Jane Roberton has been with the Force for 7 weeks but is already loving her volunteer work. She said: “The job was already very varied and interesting. Included are traffic collisions, high risk missing persons, neighbor disputes, public order offences, arrests, theft and fraud offences, domestic and of course blue light escapes!

“The Specials role is very flexible in terms of what hours you work and when, so you can work evenings and/or weekends if you have a day job, as long as you work a minimum of 16 hours a month.

“There are various misconceptions about the role. It’s a voluntary role so you don’t get paid, it’s not a PCSO role, you get a full warrant certificate on graduation (just like a regular police officer) and you get to arrest people!

“I believe the most valuable skills for a Special are the ability to listen, relate to people, show empathy and remain calm and focused in difficult situations. I found life experience to be very useful and with Specials there is no upper age limit to apply!”

If you feel you have what it takes to be a special constable, you can give up at least 16 hours a month and would like to give back to your community by doing what must be the most rewarding volunteer role out there.

To be eligible to become a special agent, the basic requirements are that you must be:

• either a citizen of a country in the European Economic Area or, if not, have permission to remain in the UK without restriction
• at least 18 years old when you apply
• with good health and good character
• have Level 2 Maths and English qualifications
• able to speak and write English competently
• hold a full driver’s license by the time training begins.

You can find more information about applying to be Special here: Special Cops | Wiltshire Police