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 & South): Ashford, Blackheath, Bournemouth, Brighton, Cambridge, Colchester, Croydon, Euston, Finsbury Park, Gatwick, Guildford, Hammersmith, Kings Cross, 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 3 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.*
How to Apply
Applications are completed online. As part of the process, you’ll complete a Situational Judgement Test (SJT). If you’re unsuccessful, you can reapply after 3 months.
We recommend attending a Q&A session with the Recruitment Team before submitting your application.
This is an ongoing recruitment campaign. While immediate placement isn’t guaranteed, successful applicants will remain under consideration for up to 12 months following a conditional offer.
We are committed to building a workforce where everyone feels they belong.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences. Diversity strengthens our teams, improves our services and helps us better represent and support the communities we serve. We are proud to be an inclusive employer and strive to create a workplace that is fair, respectful and accessible to all. We actively work to challenge discrimination, remove barriers and ensure equity throughout our recruitment and employment practices. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment or selection process, please let us know - we are happy to support you. Your talent, your potential, and your unique perspective matter here.
AI can be a useful tool to spark ideas or help you organise your thoughts, but when it comes to your application, we want to hear from you, not an algorithm. What truly stands out to us are genuine stories, personal insights and the experiences that have shaped who you are. Authenticity matters - it helps us understand your motivations, your strengths and how you’ll contribute to our team. So, use AI if it helps you get started, but let your own voice lead the way.
Got a Question?
We're here to help. Email us at btpspecials@btp.police.uk and our team will get back to you in confidence.
We are committed to protecting the public, building trust, and supporting communities. Join British Transport Police and be part of something bigger.