Job Introduction

Transfer to British Transport Police as a Special Constable

Bring your policing experience to a national force and help us protect every journey.

As a Transferee Special Constable with British Transport Police (BTP), you’ll use the skills and experience you have already developed to support frontline policing across Britain’s rail network.

You could be responding to incidents, providing reassurance at stations and on trains, supporting vulnerable people or helping to police major events. It’s a unique and fast-moving environment where no two duties are the same.

Special Constables are volunteer Police Officers with the same powers and uniform as regular Police Officers. You’ll work alongside colleagues to protect the public, prevent crime and help millions of passengers travel safely and confidently.

Why transfer to BTP?

• Make a meaningful difference: Help keep passengers, railway employees and communities safe.
• Experience varied policing: Work in a unique operational environment across stations, trains and the wider rail network.
• Build on your experience: Develop your existing policing skills through BTP-specific training, operational duties and continued professional development.
• Join a national force: Contribute to policing across the rail network while remaining connected to your chosen posting area.
• Be a valued member of the team: Join a force where the contribution of Special Constables is recognised and supported.

Who can apply?

This opportunity is open to anyone who is currently serving as a Special Constable with an eligible Home Office police force, or who has served as a Special Constable with an eligible force within the last 12 months.

To be eligible to transfer, you must:

• Have achieved Independent Patrol Status, where applicable in England and WalesHave completed the required first aid training
• Have a sound and current understanding of operational policing
• Not be subject to an ongoing investigation by your current or previous force
• Be able to provide your full training records from your current or previous force
• Meet BTP’s medical, vetting and wider eligibility requirements

Eligibility checklist

You will not be eligible to apply if:

• You have been unsuccessful at an interview for a BTP Special Constable, Police Officer or PCSO role within the last three 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 another police force or are currently under investigation
• You do not have the permanent right to live and work in the UK
• You have not lived continuously in the UK for the past three years
• You do not meet BTP’s financial eligibility requirements, including those relating to bankruptcy, County Court Judgments or unmanageable debt arrangements
• You have facial or neck tattoos that are assessed as inappropriate under BTP’s standards

You should also review the Prohibited Occupations List before applying to ensure that your employment does not conflict with the role of a Special Constable.

You must provide complete and accurate information throughout the application and vetting process. Any previous involvement with the police, including cautions or convictions, must be declared and will be considered in line with the relevant vetting standards.

2027 Transferee Training

Successful applicants will need to complete a BTP-specific Transferee Course to prepare them for policing the railway environment.

The planned training dates are:

• Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th April 2027
• Monday 12th to Friday 16th April 2027
• Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th April 2027
• Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th May 2027
• Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd May 2027, if required

You must be available to attend all mandatory training dates. Please also keep 22nd and 23rd May available in case these additional dates are required. We may be unable to offer alternative dates or defer your training if you cannot attend.

Before and after the course

As part of the transferee training programme, you will also be required to:

• Complete a Pre-Course Assessment and Training Needs Analysis
• Provide your full training records from your current or previous force
• Complete an agreed period of supervised operational patrols after the course

The supervised patrol period is expected to take place over approximately four to eight weeks, or until 30 hours of supervised patrol have been completed. Your progress will be monitored and assessed to help ensure that you are fully prepared to undertake duties safely and confidently within BTP.

Ongoing commitment

Special Constables are expected to complete a minimum of 16 hours of duty each month.

Before applying, please consider whether you can meet the ongoing duty commitment, attend the required training and complete the supervised patrol period.

Available locations

Opportunities are available across B Division, covering the South and East, and C Division, covering the Midlands, North and Wales. All locations are subject to vacancies and operational requirements.

Locations may include:

London and the South East: Euston, Paddington, London Bridge, Victoria, Gatwick, Ashford and Croydon.

South and East of England: Southampton, Norwich, Brighton, Colchester, Cambridge, Luton and Southend.

Midlands and North: Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield, Newcastle and York.

Wales: Bangor, Cardiff, Rhyl and Shrewsbury.

The locations available as part of this campaign will be shown within the application form. Availability may vary according to operational requirements, so please only select locations where you could reasonably undertake your duties.

What you’ll receive

• BTP-specific training and continued professional development.
• Uniform and operational equipment.
• Reimbursement of eligible expenses and qualifying travel costs.
• Access to health, wellbeing and employee support services.
• Opportunities to develop valuable policing, communication, decision-making and leadership skills.

This is a voluntary, unpaid position. Allowances and eligible expenses may be payable in line with current BTP arrangements.

Ready to transfer?

Applications must be completed online. As part of your application, you’ll be asked to confirm your current or recent service as a Special Constable, provide details of your policing experience and select your preferred posting location.

Before applying, please make sure you:

• Meet all the eligibility requirements
• Can provide your full training records on request
• Can attend the mandatory 2027 course dates and keep the additional dates available
• Can complete the required period of supervised patrols
• Can meet the minimum monthly duty commitment
• Have considered the practical travel arrangements for your preferred posting

We encourage you to attend one of our recruitment information and Q&A sessions, where you can learn more about the role and ask questions before submitting your application.

For more information about volunteering as a Special Constable with BTP, visit the Specials and Volunteers section of our careers website:

https://careers.btp.police.uk/roles/specials-and-volunteers/

Everyone belongs at BTP

We want our workforce to reflect the communities we serve and welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, identities, experiences and perspectives. Appointments are made on merit and are based on the skills and experience required for the role.

We are committed to providing a fair, accessible and inclusive recruitment process. If you need a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment or selection process, please let us know so that we can discuss how best to support you.

Using AI in your application

AI can help you organise your thoughts, but your application should reflect your own experiences, motivations and voice. Genuine examples help us understand what you would bring to BTP, so please make sure the information you submit is accurate, personal and authentic.

Questions?

Email us via RecruitmentTeam@btp.police.uk or our Special Constabulary on BTPSpecials@btp.police.uk. All enquiries will be treated in confidence.

Bring your experience to BTP and help us protect every journey.