Cyflwyniad Swydd

Step Forward. Make a Difference. Become a Special Constable with British Transport Police.

"Being a Special Constable is more than volunteering your time. It's about making a real difference in people's lives, protecting communities and helping keep Scotland's railway safe."

At British Transport Police (BTP), our Special Constables are valued members of the policing family. They volunteer alongside regular officers, bringing their own skills, experiences and perspectives to the role while helping to keep millions of passengers, railway staff and members of the public safe every year.

Whether you're looking for a new challenge, want to give back to your community, or are considering a future career in policing, becoming a Special Constable can be one of the most rewarding experiences you'll ever have.

Why Become a Special Constable?

As a Special Constable, you'll hold the same powers as a regular police officer and play an important role in keeping Scotland's railway network safe.

You'll work alongside experienced officers to:

• Patrol railway stations and trains
• Respond to incidents and emergencies
• Prevent crime and anti-social behaviour
• Safeguard vulnerable people
• Reassure passengers and railway staff
• Support major events and policing operations

No two shifts are the same. From engaging with local communities to responding to incidents on the rail network, you'll gain unique experiences while making a genuine difference.

Where We're Recruiting

We are currently recruiting Special Constables for:

• Edinburgh
• Glasgow

What We're Looking For

We're looking for committed individuals who can volunteer a minimum of 16 hours per month and who share our values of integrity, fairness and respect.

You don't need previous policing experience. We'll provide full training and ongoing support throughout your journey.

Successful applicants will be:

• Strong communicators who enjoy working with people
• Calm and professional under pressure
• Resilient, adaptable and reliable
• Community-minded and committed to public service
• Able to work effectively as part of a team

What You'll Gain

Being a Special Constable offers far more than volunteering.

You'll benefit from:

• Comprehensive police training
• The opportunity to make a real difference in communities across Scotland
• Valuable skills in communication, leadership and decision-making
• Training in conflict management, personal safety and first aid
• Experience working in a unique and dynamic policing environment
• Opportunities to support specialist policing operations and events
• Personal development that can benefit both your professional and personal life

Many Special Constables also use their experience to support future careers in policing and other public service professions.

Eligibility Checklist

You cannot apply if:

• You have failed a BTP Police Officer or Special Constable interview within the last 3 months
• You have failed BTP vetting within the last 24 months
• You have received a custodial sentence, including a suspended sentence
• You have been dismissed from a police force or are currently under investigation
• You have unresolved financial issues such as bankruptcy, an unmanaged IVA or certain County Court Judgements
• You do not have the right to live and work permanently in the UK
• You have not lived continuously in the UK for the last 3 years
• You have tattoos that fall outside BTP's tattoo policy

Please also review our Prohibited Occupations List before applying.

How to Apply

Applications are completed online and include a Situational and Ethics Judgement Test, as well as a marked Application Question.

We strongly encourage prospective applicants to attend one of our recruitment information sessions before submitting an application. These sessions provide an opportunity to learn more about the role, recruitment process and training commitment.

Successful applicants may remain under consideration for up to 12 months following a conditional offer.

Training Commitment and Intake Dates

Successful applicants will be expected to attend an initial training programme delivered through a combination of weekday and weekend sessions. Attendance is mandatory, so please ensure you can commit to the dates below before submitting your application.

2027 Initial Training Course

• Introduction Week: Monday 3rd May to Friday 7th May 2027
• Weekend 1: Saturday 15th May to Sunday 16th May 2027
• Weekend 2: Saturday 29th May to Sunday 30th May 2027
• Weekend 3: Saturday 12th June to Sunday 13th June 2027
• Weekend 4: Saturday 26th June to Sunday 27th June 2027
• Weekend 5: Saturday 10th July to Sunday 11th July 2027
• Weekend 6: Saturday 24th July to Sunday 25th July 2027
• Final Week: Wednesday 4th August to Sunday 8th August 2027

Please note: Candidates who receive a conditional offer will be expected to attend all training dates. If you have any pre-booked commitments that may affect your attendance, we encourage you to consider this before applying.

A Place Where Everyone Belongs

At British Transport Police, we're committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences. Diversity strengthens our teams, improves our service and helps us better understand the communities we protect.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. We're committed to providing support throughout every stage of the application journey.

Your talent, potential and unique perspective matter.

Be Yourself

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be useful for organising ideas and preparing applications. However, we want to hear about your experiences, motivations and achievements in your own words.

Authentic applications help us understand who you are and what you could bring to British Transport Police.

Got a Question?

Email us at RecruitmentTeam@btp.police.uk or should you have any questions for our Special Constabulary, please email BTPSpecials@btp.police.uk.

Every shift is an opportunity to make a difference. Join British Transport Police as a Special Constable and help keep Britain's railway network safe.