What is the difference between a special constable and a police officer

What powers does a Special Constable hold? How old do you have to be to join the Specials? And how much time do you need to volunteer?

A Special Constable holds the same powers and privileges as a regular officer and is entitled to arrest someone in exactly the same way. PCSOs provide a neighbourhood police presence and play a key role in helping to find solutions to community issues like anti-social behaviour. Specials Constables are volunteers who have exactly the same powers as police officers. Anyone over 18 years can apply to join the Special Constabulary and Bedfordshire Police welcomes all suitable applicants from all walks of life, gender ethnicity and age groups.

No, there is no upper age limit to join the Specials, but you must be able to pass the fitness test. Specials bring valuable life experiences, new skills and fresh perspective into the force and the more varied the backgrounds of our Specials the more diverse our workforce will be. While you need a good level of fitness, you do not need to be an athlete. We will advise you on the fitness requirements and assist with guidance to enable you to achieve these where necessary.

Special Constables are asked to commit a minimum of 16 hours a month to the role. Some Special Constables enjoy it so much that they work more hours than this — some work up to twelve hours on a shift, in line with the colleagues they are teamed up with. Specials work a variety of shifts — earlies, lates and nights - to fit in with their other life roles. With the nature of police work, there is always something for a Special to do, no matter what the day or time!

Community housing. Police services employ Special Constables in various roles including court security, scenes of crime examination, community engagement and prisoner transportation.

Government security services. Special Constables play a vital role in keeping Ontario safe. Special constables are employed to preserve the peace and keep their respected communities safe. Special Constables are conferred authorities to enforce multiple sections of the Criminal code of Canada and provincial acts. Viva York Region Transit. GO Metrolinx Transit. Fanshawe College. Please note that the application process for Special Constables and justice practitioners is the same as that for Police Constable.

Be sure to check with the agency that you choose to apply to on whether or not you are required to complete the fitness log and medical examination. You may be exempted.

Please ensure you check with the agency you choose to apply to if the OACP Certificate is a pre-requisite.