Solihull Special Constabulary

Neighbourhood policing is now at the heart of how Solihull Police delivers a first class service to its communities.

A key element of this service is the contribution made by our Special Constables who give up their time, for no financial reward, to play a vital part in the delivery of front-line policing services to help make our neighbourhoods safer.

Our Special Constables come from all walks of life and bring with them a wealth of experience, having often worked in other organisations.  Many are residents of Solihull and are therefore customers of the service.  As part of their everyday lives they offer a unique bridge into the heart of the communities we serve.

The Specials, as they are most often referred to, is not a new body.  In fact, the institution was founded in 1832 and the Special Constabulary predates the regular police service.  With the changing needs of the country, the role of the Specials has changed many times, with its members playing a key role during wartime. Today, the relevance of the Specials is as great as ever, as they seek to deliver a service that meets the true needs of our growing and diverse communities.

What does being a Special involve?

Specials are contracted to a minimum of one five-hour tour of duty per week.  They have the same powers and responsibilities as regular officers and come under the same code of conduct.  Specials joining the service today undergo an extensive training programme over a period of six months to prepare them for the task of assisting in the delivery of a first class neighbourhood policing service.

In addition to their normal duties, which are often carried out at our busiest times such as weekends and evenings, the Specials provide invaluable support when we have major events or periods of community tension. 

Solihull is a large and diverse area and Specials serve across the Borough helping to police the town centres of Solihull, Shirley and Chelmsley Wood, the NEC and the heart of our residential urban and rural communities.

The Specials are key to the future development of neighbourhood policing.  Solihull Police will continue to work hard to recruit, retain and develop this invaluable resource and make best use of this unique asset, which is an integral part of the West Midlands Police family.

If you are over 18, in good health and have some spare time, and would like to serve your community as a Special Constable, you can find further information by visiting www.west-midlands.police.uk/wmprrecruit/sc_role.asp or call the Solihull Police Personnel Department on 0345 113 5000 to arrange an informal chat.