How to apply
We are recruiting Volunteer (Special) Constables at this time.
Do you have the qualifications?
To apply to become a Volunteer (Special) Constable, you must have at least one Level 3 qualification (for example, NVQ Level 3 or 2 A Levels) with a minimum of a pass. If you do not have this qualification, but feel that your current experience equates to it, there is the opportunity to take a test during the application process which will assess your suitability.
You must hold the qualification at the time of submitting your application.
We cannot accept 'expected grades', as you will need to supply copies of your certificates as part of your application.
Are you eligible?
We recommend that you read this eligibility criteria guidance to become familiar with this before you complete your application.
You can apply at the age of 17, but we will not be able to offer you a position until you turn 18.
You must be a British citizen or a citizen of a country that is a member of the European Economic Area, or Switzerland. Commonwealth citizens and foreign nationals who are resident in the UK and free from restrictions are also eligible to apply. After 30 June 2021, nationals of the EEA or Switzerland will also need to provide evidence that their stay is free from restrictions.
You must have resided in the UK for three continuous years immediately prior to application.
We are unable to consider you if you have outstanding County Court Judgements, or a current Individual Voluntary Agreement (IVA), or have been registered bankrupt within the last three years.
This vetting information provides more details.
This vetting information provides more details.
If you are a member of the BNP or a similar organisation - or have ever been a member - you are not eligible to apply.
Tattoos are allowed at North Wales Police, but they must not be offensive or undermine the dignity and authority of your role.
During your application we will ask you to send us a photo and a description of your tattoos.
Some examples of tattoos we would not accept are:
- Swear words
- Naked bodies
- Weapons that are not linked to a tribute to your service in the armed forces
- Any tattoo ridiculing a particular belief or religion
Application process
We need to be sure we recruit people of the highest quality, so our application process involves several challenging steps.
Even if you achieve them all, be aware that it does not automatically guarantee a position with us. We have to balance the operational needs of the Force with the number of vacancies.
If you met the eligibility criteria in the quiz above and want to apply, please read through the information below for full details about the steps involved.
Create a profile and register your details on our e-recruitment system.
If you have also applied to another force using this system, you will need to create a separate profile for your North Wales application. This is because different forces handle the application process differently.
The first part of the process asks questions to determine if you are eligible to apply.
If you are eligible, you will be guided through the application process. First, there will be some tests - if you pass these you will move on to complete the online form.
You do not need to complete the whole form in one session, you can save your progress as you go along.
You can find out more about the tests in these guidance documents:
Depending on the answers you have provided, we may need to review your application.
If there are any issues we need to discuss with you, we will contact you to do so.
Successful applicants will then move onto the next stage.
Here at North Wales Police we actively encourage all our staff and officers to use Welsh in their daily lives at work.
Therefore we ask new Volunteer (Special) Constable recruits to demonstrate basic skills in the Welsh language (level 1 competency).
The review will take place in an informal manner with a sympathetic Welsh speaker. We offer support and guidance to help you achieve the required level for the role.
We also have online learning resources that may assist you with your learning. Please note it is a spoken review - there is no written test.
If you are a fluent Welsh language speaker or went to an all Welsh speaking school then you won’t need to complete the review. This will be verified during the process.
The interview is to help us understand more about you as an individual and your ethics and values.
It will last about 30 minutes and is based on:
- the Competency and Values Framework [PDF]
- your research into the role and your motivation for joining us
We are flexible in terms of language used in the interview. You will need to let us know whether you want to speak in English or Welsh, or a combination of both if that is easier for you. The interview is not a test of your Welsh skills.
Your details will be sent to our Vetting unit to start carrying out background checks. Our Recruitment Team will obtain references from your current or former employer, or academic institution.
You will be asked to provide a fingerprint and DNA sample, to be stored on the Police Elimination Database.
You will be required to undertake a drugs test.
Policing has never been an easy job. You will be required to handle a variety of situations involving physically challenging tasks.
You will need strength, agility and stamina to deal effectively with situations as well as to defend yourself and others. You also need to be fit to handle police equipment safely and to work shifts.
The fitness test is a way for us to ensure you are fit enough to cope with the demands of the job.
Learn more about what the test involves [PDF].
If you fail to pass the test at initial recruiting stage, you would not be able to continue with your application - but if your struggle, we will support you. We want to see you succeed!
You will be required to complete a medical history questionnaire. After our Occupational Health Unit have assessed the questionnaire, you will be invited for a face to face medical. You will be required to bring along your GP medical summary, which is available from your GP surgery.
Recommended medical standards [PDF]
Eyesight standards (Gov.uk)
Once the process is complete and information gathered, we will decide whether to offer you a position.
If you’re successful, we’ll write to you offering a place. You will be required to attend all of the training dates for this intake.
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