Payment

Will I get paid by my force if I come in and volunteer?
No. Under the current legislative framework, a Special Constable cannot be paid or “employed” by a police force. Currently normal volunteering arrangements apply; you will be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses, or an allowance in lieu, in accordance with your normal force procedure.

My employer will not pay me for my time off to volunteer as a Special Constable can I be reimbursed for loss of earnings?
Under the current legislative framework, a Special Constable cannot be paid or “employed” by a police force – this in effect would make you a regular paid officer. Existing legislation applies which permits payment equal to actual loss of earnings on a daily basis where you are required for duty during your normal work time. Special Constables are not currently required to attend for duty during your working hours except in instances such as attendance to give evidence at court, where such attendance is mandatory to fulfill a legal obligation.

I am self-employed and cannot work at the moment. Can the force pay me to come in and work as a Special Constable?
No. Under the current legislative framework, a Special Constable cannot be paid or “employed” by a police force. Currently normal volunteering compensation applies. You will be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses, or an allowance in lieu, in accordance with your normal force procedure.

I am currently unemployed; can the force pay me to work as a Special Constable?
No. Under the current legislative framework, a Special Constable cannot be paid or “employed” by a police force. Currently normal volunteering compensation applies. You will be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses, or an allowance in lieu, in accordance with your normal force procedure.

Are there other payments available to me beyond out of pocket expenses?
Police and Crime Commissioners, following recommendation by a Chief Constable, continue to have the flexibility to arrange one-off special payments and local benefits for Special Constables. The existing Home Office guidance on Special Constabulary expenses and allowances applies: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/304488/GuidanceSpecialConstableExpenseAllowanceRates.pdf