Specials: Recruitment Process
Special Constabulary Recruitment Process
- Application Form
- National Assessment Process
- Fitness Test
- Medical Assessment
- Background and Security Checks
Stage 1 – Completion of Application Form
The first stage in the recruitment process requires you to complete an application form. You will be assessed in the areas of planning and organising, and respect for race and diversity. Your answers in the competancy based questions will help us to decide whether you have the skills and experiences required to become a Special Constable.
Stage 2 - National Assessment Process
This stage consists of three separate elements as follows:
- Situational Judgement Test (multiple choice test based on common situations that you may come across as a Special Constable);
- Written Exercise (you will have to write a report and we will assess content, spelling and grammar);
- Competency Based Interview (assessing 4 competency areas, based on your experiences of dealing with real life situations).
Each of the tests must be completed within set time constraints. Prior to the assessment process, candidates are provided with detailed information on each of the elements.
Stage 3 – Fitness Test
The Job Related Fitness Test consists of two elements designed to test your endurance and dynamic strength.
Test 1: Endurance Test (multi shuttle run)
Commonly called the bleep test, you will be asked to keep running between two points which are 15 metres apart. The speed you must run is dictated by a bleep, and the time allowed to run one shuttle will get shorter as the level increases.
You must reach Level 5.4 to pass.
How to Prepare:
- Start running.
- Run at a fast pace for 10 minutes, rather than a slow pace for 20 minutes.
- Run at a pace where you find talking whilst running difficult.
- Each workout - try to improve by a small amount, run that little bit further or that little bit faster.
How often should I train?
- To make a real difference you should train for endurance 3 - 4 times a week.
Test 2: Dynamic Strength
- The dynamic strength test mimics a seated bench press action and a seated rowing action. You will be asked to perform 8 repetitions on the push and 8 repetitions on the pull. The machine works out the average of your last 5 repetitions and gives you a score.
- You must Push 34 Kg and Pull 35 Kg to pass.
How to Prepare:
- Practice seated rows and bench presses.
- You are training to perform 5 repetitions at a maximal level, therefore performing several sets of 20 repetitions of bench presses or seated rows will not be optimal training. You must use enough weight that you struggle to perform six repetitions.
- Once you can perform 10 repetitions, increase the weight so that you again struggle to perform 6.
- Ask for advice if you are unsure of how to perform this exercise.
How often should I train?
- Two times a week, leaving 48 - 72 hours between sessions.
- Too many people leave training for this test to the last minute. You need to start training now if you are serious about joining the Special Constabulary. If you leave preparation until you have been given a date for your fitness test you may not have enough time to prepare.
Important:
Consult a medical practitioner prior to engaging in any strenuous physical exercise programme.
Stage 4 – Background Enquiries
It is necessary for us to perform security vetting checks in line with Home Office policy and we also take up references from both current and previous employers and education establishments to cover the last 4 years.
Stage 5 – Medical Assessment
The medical assessment stage of the recruitment process will require you to attend our Occupational Health Unit. You will have a full medical to confirm you are fit for duty as a Special Constable.
