Special Constables: Ranking and Career Progression

National Police Chiefs' Council Lead for Workforce, Chief Constable Giles York said:

“I always welcome proposals that enhance personal development and progression of our employed and volunteer workforce and particularly where this improves operational capability. The College of Policing Leadership Review mentions a proposal that if special constables meet the necessary standards, they should be able to progress through the ranks in the same way as regular officers. 

"I understand the arguments for special constable officers being able to seek progression within their voluntary roles. But the necessary underpinning work is yet to be established and will need to be considered in the wider context for police reform.

"We cannot comment at this stage on whether the change would be viable for the service. For example, work is currently underway to review the rank structure for regular constables and develop a Professional Education Qualifications Framework. These strands of work will need to be completed before the proposal can be considered fully.”