Special Constables (Volunteer)
Step Forward. Make a Difference. Become a Special Constable with British Transport Police.
“Being a Special Constable isn’t just a role – it’s a real opportunity to make a difference. Every Special brings something unique to the team, and together, we’re building a world-class police force that keeps the railway safe and reliable for everyone.”
At the BTP, we value the dedication and commitment of our volunteer Officers. We offer professional training, opportunities to join specialist teams, and a chance to build leadership skills. Your journey with us will be meaningful, challenging, and rewarding.
“Whether you're on the front line or supporting behind the scenes, you’ll use your unique strengths to make a tangible impact across the UK. If you're ready to bring passion, professionalism, and purpose to a team that values your contribution, we’d love to hear from you."– Special Chief Officer Nathan Turner.
Why Become a Special Constable?
British Transport Police is looking for committed individuals to volunteer as Special Constables. If you care about keeping people safe and supporting communities, particularly in the railway environment, this could be the role for you.
As a Special Constable, you'll have full police powers and work side-by-side with our regular Officers. From tackling crime and anti-social behaviour to supporting vulnerable people, you’ll play a vital part in keeping the travelling public safe.
You’ll patrol stations and trains, respond to incidents by car, and offer a reassuring presence to passengers and staff. In return, we’ll provide full training, support, and opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for volunteers who can commit at least 16 hours a month and are ready to face a variety of situations with confidence and integrity. If you're new to policing, don't worry. We'll give you everything you need to succeed.
You’ll need to:
- Be a great communicator and natural problem solver.
- Stay calm under pressure and work well in a team.
- Be resilient, adaptable, and community focused.
What You’ll Gain:
- Make a real difference where it counts.
- Work in a unique and dynamic environment.
- Enhance your CV and build valuable skills in law, communication, first aid, self-defence, and more.
- Enjoy travel benefits (location dependent).
- Develop personally and explore pathways into full-time policing.
- You’ll build transferable skills that will support your career long term – problem-solving, decision-making, leadership, teamwork, and communication. These are skills that stay with you, wherever your career takes you.
- Oyster card for travel.
Where We’re Recruiting
B Division (London and South): Ashford, Blackheath, Bournemouth, Brighton, Cambridge, Colchester, Croydon, Euston, Finsbury Park, Gatwick, Guildford, Hammersmith, London Bridge, Liverpool Street, Luton, Maidstone, Norwich, Paddington, Richmond, Southampton, Southend, Stockwell, Stratford, Victoria, Wembley Park, West Ham, and BTP HQ (Buckingham Palace Road).
C Division (Midlands, North, Wales, and West): Bangor, Bristol, Cardiff, Coventry, Crewe, Darlington, Doncaster, Exeter, Leeds, Leicester, Lincoln, Liverpool, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Peterborough, Plymouth, Preston, Rhyl, Sheffield, Shrewsbury, Swindon, Truro, Worcester, and York.
Eligibility Checklist
You cannot apply if:
- You’ve failed an interview for BTP Special Constable or Police Officer within the last 6 months.
- You’ve failed vetting with BTP within the past 12 months.
- You’ve received a custodial sentence (including suspended sentences).
- You’ve been dismissed from another force or are under investigation.
- You’ve been declared bankrupt, have a CCJ, or un-managed IVA.
- You do not have permanent right to live and work in the UK.
- You haven’t lived continuously in the UK for the past 3 years.
- You have facial or neck tattoos deemed inappropriate (assessed case by case).
Also check our Prohibited Occupations List before applying.
Want To Apply?
Applying is straightforward, with all applications completed online. Click apply now and you will be redirected to our careers page to complete your application.
