Special constabulary Policy Policy summary All special constables recruited by West Yorkshire Police will join a body of trained volunteers, who provide a valuable link between the police and the local community. The aim of the special constabulary is to: provide visibility; tackle crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour issues; provide community reassurance and confidence; and increase the numbers of offenders brought to justice. Aim The aim of this policy procedure is to explain: the role of the special constabulary; the roles and responsibilities of officers in a supervisory capacity; tasking and deployment; and hours of duty. Scope This policy applies to all special constables, section officers and senior section officers and includes any police officer or police staff member involved in or with the special constabulary who must ensure: they are aware of this policy procedure; and that it is implemented and adhered to; and in particular, anyone with: line management or supervisory responsibility; and administrative, operational or disciplinary responsibility for special constables. Compliance Police (Conduct) Regulations 2008. Schedule 33 Section 321 of the Criminal Justice Act Special Constables Regulations 1965 SI 1961/2012 The Special Constables (Amendment) Regulations 2012. This makes amendments to the Special Constables Regulations 1965 by inserting provisions about: biometric vetting of candidates wishing to become specials through the taking of fingerprints and DNA samples; testing of existing specials and candidates for substance misuse (controlled drugs and alcohol); and notification and approval of business interests held by specials, candidates and their relatives. Special constabulary Page 1 of 6
Chapter 1 Definitions Special constabulary The special constabulary is a body of trained volunteers who provide a valuable link between the police and the local community. With the same powers as regular police officers, special constables work in their free time on a variety of police duties. Special constables in England and Wales have the same responsibilities, powers and privileges as the regular police force. They also have authority to call on other subjects of the Queen to assist in the preservation of the peace and the prevention of offences against people and property and to arrest anyone who assaults them in the execution of their duty. On duty A special constable is deemed on duty when: Step Action 1 patrolling or performing other duty as a special constable; 2 not performing their specials duties, they come across an incident which necessitates them to exercise their powers as a special constable. This must only be done in cases of real emergency where there is a risk to the safety and interests of the public. A full report of the circumstances must be submitted to the district nominated chief inspector as soon as possible via their SLO; and 3 travelling to or from a place of work where you have been performing duty. Chapter 2 Principles Role of the special constabulary The special constabulary can be called on to help police during times of public emergency or to volunteer for duty at other times when required. Unless directed to undertake additional duties under emergency powers legislation, special constables will not be asked to undertake duty at times which interferes with their full time or part time employment unless their employer consents for them to do so. Identification of officer availability Districts should use DutySheet to identify in advance the days and times when special constables are required for or can attend for duty, taking account of their availability. The special constabulary service is voluntary and officers should not in any way feel compelled to perform a particular duty. Force Whenever possible, on recruitment, special constables will be posted Special constabulary Page 2 of 6
undertaking to the district of their choice. However in the case of a section officer or senior section officer this may not always be possible. If the higher posts are not available in the parent district then newly promoted specials have the option of transferring district or waiting in their current post until a position becomes available in their preferred district. However individuals can only wait for a maximum of 12 months for a posting after which they will have to reapply for promotion. Operations or events On occasions districts support each other or the force by supplying individuals or serial(s) comprising wholly of special constables or regular officers as aid for operations or events. Where there is a need for public order trained officers, only those special constables suitably trained will be utilised. Support resource requests will be generated by HQ Planning and Logistics within Protective Services Operations. Business and contingency plans District commanders should ensure that the special constabulary is included in business continuity and contingency plans for their district, and that a robust call-out system is in place should the need arise to call them to duty at short notice. In the event of a major emergency, call out will be coordinated by HQ Planning and Logistics. In support of this District Special Liaison Officers (DSLO) must ensure that contact details for all special constables are kept up to date and copies are made readily available to duties teams and Operations Planning Units. Chapter 3 In-training In-training period The in-training period for special constables is between one to two years starting from the date the special constable is attested. During the two year period special constables will continue to learn basic street skills and procedures and only patrol with a regular officer or experienced special constable. Not deployed with PCSOs For safety reasons, special constables who are in their in-training period or who have not been approved to undertake independent patrol are not allowed to be deployed with PCSOs. Requirement to pass in- To pass the in-training period special constables are required to: attend a minimum of 80% of district training sessions to support Special constabulary Page 3 of 6
training period their learning; perform a minimum of 16 hours duty time per month; record further learning and development in their personal learning portfolio; compete their competency profile; and maintain regular contact with their home learning support officer. Independent patrol status Special Liaison Officers (SLO) will aim to ensure special constables attain independent patrol status within 12 months of attestation. This nominal target is to encourage effective tutoring, training and mentoring of specials within districts and does not affect the overall intraining period of two years. A tutor constable, Peer Development Officer (PDO), Section Officer or Senior Section Officer is required to assess the skills and competencies of the special constable and make recommendations on whether they have the ability to independently patrol. Appointment in role Special constables are expected to have passed their in-training period within two years of being attested. Appointment in role is confirmed by the chief inspector (Neighbourhood) at district, in consultation with the specials liaison officer, tutor constable or PDO and appropriate inspector. Only when the inspector is satisfied that a recruit has reached a standard level of competence, can authority be given for the special constable to patrol independently. Formal recognition from either the chief inspector or district commander must be given to the special constable on completion of their in-training period. Extensions to in-training Extensions to an in-training period will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. Approval for the extension will be determined by the nominated chief inspector, in consultation with the SLO and appropriate district personnel. Chapter 4 Code of conduct Police conduct regulations Special constables are appointed by, and are under the direction and control of, and subject to dismissal by the Chief Constable. As special constables have the same authority and bear the same responsibility as a regular police constable they are subject to the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2008 and Police (Performance) Special constabulary Page 4 of 6
Regulations 2008. Discipline Specials constables who are alleged to have breached the Code of Conduct will be dealt with under the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2008 Full details of the police officer discipline policy is available via this link. Lawful orders Special constables are always there in support of regular police officers, and as such, irrespective of their rank, will come under the command and control and take directions from regular officers whether they hold a supervisory rank or not. Disobedience to lawful orders will constitute a breach of discipline. Chapter 5 Undertaking Special constable Special constables will be expected to: sign a volunteer agreement and a 48 hour waiver (EU Working Time Regulations 1998) on their induction day; fulfil the duties of a police officer in line with their training and parttime involvement; acquaint themselves with the geography and community of the districts in which they serve and the policing objectives of that district; obtain a working knowledge of law and police procedures; and apply sound judgement in exercising their powers in line with the objectives of their district. Expectations While on duty officers will perform duty under the supervision of, and supported by, regular police officers. Operational authority rests with the regular officer, irrespective of the rank or grade of either party. As a special constable you will: No Undertaking 1 be bound by the conditions of service set out by Police Regulations and the Chief Constable, as shown in annex A of the Volunteer Agreement; 2 maintain personal circumstance, in accord with the conditions of service, retaining your eligibility to hold the office of special constable and notify any change forthwith to the Chief Constable; 3 the Chief Constable may seek your resignation or may dismiss you if your personal circumstances render you Special constabulary Page 5 of 6
unsuitable or unable to serve as a special constable; 4 achieve and maintain a level of proficiency which will enable you to support regular officers in solving policing problems and thereby to enhance the overall contribution and effectiveness of the local partnership between the police and the public; 5 when on duty carry out all lawful orders, and punctually and promptly perform appointed duties and attend all matters within the scope of your office as constable; and 6 act at all times in keeping with: West Yorkshire Police policy; the Official Secrets Act 1989; Data Protection Act 1984; Computer Misuse Act 1990; and Working Time Regulations 1998. Chapter 6 Rank structure Structure and insignia The rank structure and the insignia of the West Yorkshire Police Special Constabulary are: senior section officer (equivalent to inspector rank) collar number and 2 bars; section officer (equivalent to sergeant rank) collar number and 1 bar; and special constable collar number. The collar numbers of West Yorkshire Police special constables commence with the number 7 or 8 All insignia must be correctly displayed and worn at all times. Any special constable who does not wear this insignia may be subject to disciplinary action. Force wide co-ordination A chief inspector within West Yorkshire Police acts as the special constabulary coordinator and is responsible for the strategic development and force wide coordination of the special constabulary. Specials management It is for districts to decide the ratio for their specials management according to their establishment and numbers of special constables. Admin Last reviewed: February 2015 Scheduled for review: February 2018 Special constabulary Page 6 of 6