becoming a special constable in essex - … a special constable in essex application process welcome...

BECOMING A SPECIAL CONSTABLE IN ESSEXApplication Process

WELCOME 2ABOUT US 3DIVERSITY 4OUR SERVICE STANDARDS 5BECOMING A SPECIAL 6RECRUITMENT PROCESS 9STAGES OF BECOMING A SPECIAL 10APPENDIX A 14APPENDIX B COUNTRIES OF THE EEA 15APPENDIX C TATTOOS 16APPENDIX D RECOMMENDED MEDICAL STANDARDS 17FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 32

Members of the Special Constabulary are just that – special.

Special constables come from all walks of life. They have the drive and determination to devote some of their free time to working with the police to improve the quality of life in their communities.

Special constables have full police powers, uniform and equipment, but sacrifice their free time, organising their busy personal lives, day jobs and other commitments to perform police duties on a voluntary basis alongside regular officers.

The function of the Special Constabulary is to work alongside the regular force in meeting the policing needs of the county. They are expected to provide a quality service at all times and are a vital link between the police and local communities.

The Special Constabulary is not like any other volunteering opportunity; it is a rewarding role that enables people to experience real-life situations not normally encountered by the majority of the

population. Specials receive on-going training in order to develop their skills in communication, quick thinking, team work, supervisory and management and have an ability to cope with the unexpected.

You can find more information about Essex Police and the recruitment process in this pack.

Once again, thank you for your interest and I wish you every success with your application.

Leon Dias Special Constabulary Chief Officer

WELCOMEFROM THE CHIEF OFFICER OF THE SPECIAL CONSTABULARY OF ESSEX

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BECOMING A SPECIAL CONSTABLE IN ESSEX APPLICATION PROCESS

http://www.essex.police.uk

ABOUT USEssex Police operates across an area of 1,405 square miles which borders the counties of Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Kent and four London boroughs. The county has an estimated population of 1.72 million, making it the fifth most populous county in England.

Essex is home to two major ports – Harwich International Port and the Port of Tilbury, two airports – Southend and Stansted and a network of key roads. The Dartford River Crossing joins us with our collaborative partner Kent Police and is used by more than 49 million vehicles a year, with a daily average of 136,015 (average figures 2013-14)

Southend and Harlow districts have the highest population density per square kilometre within Essex, whereas Uttlesford and Maldon districts have the lowest.

Essex Police has four countywide commands:-

• Operational Policing Command

• Crime and Public Protection Command

• Criminal Justice and Offender Management Command

• Neighbourhood Policing Command

The Neighbourhood Policing Command consists of three local policing areas dealing with local issues which affect our communities.

These are:-

North Local Policing Area Covering Colchester, Tendring, Uttlesford and Braintree, Chelmsford and Maldon district policing areas

West Local Policing Area Covering Harlow, Thurrock and Epping Forest and Brentwood district policing areas

South Local Policing Area Covering Basildon, Southend and Castle Point and Rochford district policing areas

Uttlesford

Braintree

Colchester Tendring

MaldonChelmsford

Rochford

Southend Unitary AuthorityCastle

Point

Basildon

Thurrock UnitaryAuthority

Brentwood

Epping Forest

Harlow

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DIVERSITYWe are committed to eliminating unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation through the advancement of equality of opportunities for the people of Essex.

Forging relationships, building trust and understanding the issues within Essex’s different communities all form part of the fundamental platform on which effective, credible policing is built.

As part of our comprehensive recruitment programme we are seeking to increase the representation of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) people including those from across all under-represented groups within the Special Constabulary.

We have a number of staff support associations which provide its members with support, information and networking opportunities.

Further information regarding Essex Police’s positive action programme is available by emailing our Business Centre on [email protected]

For further information regarding Essex Police’s Equality and Diversity programmes, please visit: www.essex.police.uk/about/equality_diversity.aspx

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OUR SERVICE STANDARDSDelivering a high quality service We will always treat you fairly with dignity and respect and ensure that you can easily contact us. We will get back to you within 24 hours if you report you are not happy with our service.

Protecting the public We will aim to answer emergency calls (999) within 10 seconds and to do our best to be with you in 15 minutes if you are in a town and 20 minutes if you are in a place that is harder to get to (rural areas). We will answer all non-emergency calls (101 or 01245 491491) as quickly as possible. If we need to see you we will give you an estimated time of arrival or make an appointment to see you at a mutually agreeable time.

Providing a local service We will give out information about your local officers so that you know who they are and how to contact them. We will listen to feedback about our services. We will arrange regular opportunities to meet you and give updates on our work and the progress we are making. We will publish local crime data on our website. We will ensure your local officer calls you back within 24 hours if you ring or text them about an issue.

Keeping victims of crime informed If you are a victim of crime we will agree with you how you would like to be kept informed of progress. You have the right to be kept informed at least every month if you wish and for as long as is reasonable.

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BECOMING A SPECIAL CONSTABLE WITH ESSEX POLICEWhat we offer:-

• Training and development opportunities

• Support and advice from a range of staff associations and access to a range of services – Charitable Trust, Police Mutual

• Access to Health Services via our in-house Occupational Health & Welfare team

• Membership of Essex Police Sports Association providing access to a wide range of benefits and sporting activities

New skills The Essex Special Constabulary is no ordinary group of people. Drive and dedication are the key attributes needed when you make the decision to volunteer.

Through an on-going training programme, Specials develop skills that will stand them in good stead for life; commitment, quick-thinking, team working and an ability to cope with the unexpected and guide others in times of crisis.

New experiences There is a lot of variety involved in being a Special Constable, from regular patrols focusing on local crime problems to specialist areas of policing work. The experiences you gain will help you look at life from a different point of view.

New people As part of a team, the experiences you share can lead to lasting friendships. You will learn more about life and human nature than most people will ever see.

Self-discovery As a Special you will discover a lot you didn’t know about yourself, as well as just how much you are capable of. You will develop self-respect and self-confidence and you will earn the right to feel pride in having played a significant role in helping your community.

Meet the Team For more information about the role, you can arrange for a member of the Corporate Recruitment team to speak to you via the Request a Call Back form in the applying section on the Essex Police website.

The Special Constabulary also host recruitment events at Essex Police Headquarters, as well as regional drop in centres. For more information on dates and details, please visit www.essex.police.uk and keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

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Please note the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 does not apply to the Police Service and therefore all applicants should declare all ‘spent’ convictions no matter how minor and failure to do so could result in a refusal of vetting clearance.

Members of certain professions are legally restricted from serving as a Special Constable, see Appendix A.

AM I ELIGIBLE TO BECOME A SPECIAL CONSTABLE IN ESSEX POLICE?To become a Special constable you must:

• be a British, Commonwealth, European Economic Area (EEA) citizen or have an indefinite right to stay in the UK

• be of good character (ideally you should not have a criminal record but some minor offences may not exclude you)

• be able to meet our required medical and fitness standards

• have resided in the UK for a continuous period of three years immediately prior to the date of application.

To join as a Special Constable you must not:-

• Be registered bankrupt, subject to CCJs or IVAs. Directors of limited companies, which have been insolvent, will be treated as if he/she were bankrupt even though the debts are in the name of the company

• Omit to declare any offences or ‘spent’ convictions. Any undeclared offences discovered during the vetting process, however minor, will lead to your application being rejected.

• Have defaulted accounts

• Ideally not have been convicted or cautioned for a serious arrestable offence. Applicants who have received cautions, reprimands, formal warnings and final warnings will not be considered until a full five years from the date of the sanction. Some of the above will lead to a permanent prohibition from the recruitment process. (Fixed penalty notices will be treated as cautions)

• Have received a prison sentence (including custodial, suspended or deferred and also sentences served at Young Offenders Institutes or community homes).

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It should be noted that any undeclared offences, which are discovered by the Central Vetting Unit after the application has been submitted, would lead to rejection of the applicant.

Issues which could prevent you joining

Below are issues that could prevent you progressing through the Special Constabulary recruitment process. If you are subject to any of these issues please contact the Essex Police Business Centre on [email protected] for further advice:-

• applicants who have discharged County Court/Sheriff Court Judgements

• applicants who have discharged the Individual Voluntary Arrangement

• applicants who have been discharged from bankruptcy or sequestration cannot be considered until three years from the date of discharge

• driving and motoring offences should be declared

• issues relating to anti-social behaviour or domestic related incidents will be taken into consideration and should be declared. Failure to declare could result in a refusal of vetting clearance

• applicants who have been involved in serious violence offences, unlawful possession of weapons, abuse or neglect of children, hate crime or drug possession.

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HOW DOES THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS WORK?

STEP 1 Submit an application form and stage 1 eligibility for shortlisting

STEP 2 Attend Special Constabulary Assessment Centre

STEP 3 Vetting

STEP 4 Medical

STEP 5 Home Visit

STEP 6 Attend training course

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WHAT ARE THE STEPS OF BECOMING A SPECIAL CONSTABLE IN ESSEX?STEP 1 Submit an application form and stage 1 eligibility for shortlisting

Follow the link to the application form via the Essex Police website. Once you have submitted this you can complete your stage 1 eligibility. Both need to be submitted before you will hear if you are successful and can attend an assessment centre.

Applicants have the option to attend a recruitment information event and / or a workshop for assistance with their application and assessment centre if they wish.

• The recruitment information event provides an overview of the recruitment and assessment process, as well as informtion about what Special Constables in Essex do. Sign up to a recruitment information event via this link: www.essex.police.uk/recruitment/special_constabulary/applying.aspx

• The workshops provide support and guidance ahead of a candidates assessment centre. Candidates have the opportunity to do some practice tests and ask questions of members of the Special Constabulary. To register for a workshop, please email Denise Maynard: [email protected]

Step 2 Attend Special Constabulary Assessment Centre

There are four elements to the Assessment Centre which are detailed below.

Stage 1 Fitness Test Facilitated by the Officer Safety Trainers who are part of Essex Police College. All candidates will be subject to a fitness test commonly known as the bleep test. The requirement is to run a fifteen metre track in time with a series of bleeps which become increasingly faster, standard to achieve is 5.4. It is advised that you plan a training schedule to prepare. Candidates who are not successful can have another two attempts in a period of twelve weeks. However, you must pass within the twelve week period.

Contiues Over

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http://www.essex.police.uk/recruitment/special_constabulary/applying.aspx

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Stage 2 Police Initial Recruitment Test (PIRT) This consists of 4 written exercises each of which are timed, lasting a total of 1 hour and 30 minutes. These exercises are:-

PIR 1 (Verbal Usage)

PIR 2 (Checking)

PIR 3 (Numerical Reasoning)

PIR 4 (Verbal Logical Reasoning

Exam conditions prevail throughout the written tests.

Stage 3 Panel Interview The interview panel is made up of 2 individuals, either a Special Constable or Police Officer and an Essex Police staff manager. You will be asked a series of competency based questions, one of which will be a scenario. The personal quality areas the interview will cover are:-

Decision Making Service Delivery Working with Others Professionalism Serving the Public

This part of the process is pass or fail on the day.

Stage 3 Biometric Vetting At the Assessment Centre you will be asked to provide a set of your fingerprints and a sample of your DNA to carry out some final vetting checks against our databases. You will be required to consent in writing to this process

Note: Candidates must pass both the PIRT and Panel Interview on the assessment day. If they are not successful at either or both parts, the candidate will not proceed and will be invited to re-apply after 6 months has lapsed. Candidates who have been successful at all 3 stages of the assessment will then be progressed to the vetting stage of the process.

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Stage 1 We will carry out internal and external vetting checks on you and your spouse/partner, members of your family including step-parents, step brothers and sisters and half brothers and sisters. We will also check your partner’s children if they are aged over 10 years and any other adults who reside at your address.

Financial checks will also be carried out on all candidates. Those with outstanding County Court Judgements (CCJs), Individual Voluntary agreements (IVAs) or who have been registered bankrupt will be rejected. If you have discharged bankruptcy debts, you will need verification from the Court of this and three years must have lapsed since the date of discharge.

Stage 2 Essex Police will seek references from each of your previous employers for the last 3 years. Any gaps in employment will need to be explained and verified. If you have not been in employment for five years, we will ask for a character reference or an educational reference.

Step 4 Medical screening

As part of your application to become a Special Constable, you will be asked to complete a medical history questionnaire which must be signed by your general practitioner and taken to your medical screening appointment. All medical results will be assessed by our occupational health team who may require further information from your medical practitioner.

Full details of medical standards can be found at Appendix D.

The following areas will be checked:-Lung capacity• Eyesight & Colour Vision test• Hearing test• Mobility test• Consideration of existing conditions• Possible urine test

Please note our Occupational Health team may require further information from your medical practitioner. We will need your consent to obtain this information.

Eyesight Test Requirements You may have seen a chart like the diagram opposite at your opticians. The actual chart is much larger and is read from a distance of six metres. Each line equates to a standard. The standard you need to meet either with or without spectacles or contact lenses is:

Distance vision 6/12 or better with either your right or left eye 6/6 with both eyes together. If you wear spectacles or contact lenses you also need to reach 6/36 without your spectacles or lenses.

Near vision 6/9 with both eyes together (aided).

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We use national Home Office guidance (see table in Appendix D). Student officer training is intensive and stressful. Home Office guidance recognises this and advises that anyone taking anti-depressant medication is unlikely to be suitable for the role whilst taking it and should wait until they have been off medication for two years, leading a normally stressful life, before applying. We will consider all applications on an individual case basis, however, please do consider this before embarking on the application process.

Step 5 Home Visit

A home visit is carried out as a final security check. It will be undertaken by an officer who will complete a questionnaire during the visit to:-

• Verify identity

• Seek clarification on known associates or others residing at the address

• Ensure candidate has a realistic understanding of the role and requirements

Step 6 Training

When you have completed all parts of the recruitment process you will then be offered a start date on one of our Initial Learning for Special Constabulary (IL4SC) courses.

The IL4SC course in Essex lasts for twenty days during which time you will undertake classroom, practical and community based learning. There will be a requirement for study outside of course hours, both within and outside the College environment.

Having completed the initial learning phase you will then be tutored by an experienced officer on a Local Policing Area. This will enable you to gain practical experience of basic policing. Assessments of your performance will be carried out by trained staff during this period.

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If you have any questions regarding your employment please contact the Essex Police Business Centre on [email protected] We may ask for a copy of your job description to clarify your role and consider your eligibility.

APPENDIX A• members of police authorities

• magistrates

• clerks to justice

• clerks to courts

• members of employer’s police forces

• holders of liquor licences, managers of licensed houses and their husband or wife

• licensees of betting and gaming establishments and lottery promoters

• bailiffs and warrant officers

• probation officers

• members of private security organisations (whether directors, partners or employees) which includes security personnel, guards, door staff and may also include prison custody officers

• private detectives and enquiry agents

• school crossing patrols and traffic wardens

• members of fire services

• approval by the Chief Constable, members of the Territorial Army may be permitted to join the Special Constabulary while still serving).

• members of medical, nursing and midwifery professions, and ambulance service (unless written permission is given by their employing NHS Trust or Health Authority)

• neighbourhood, street wardens and other uniformed patrol wardens

• Highways Agency traffic officers

• British Transport Police officers/enforcement officers

• there are certain restrictions and policies in relation to civilian detention officers and front office staff who currently work for Essex Police.

Members of certain professions are legally restricted from serving as a Special Constable, including:

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APPENDIX B COUNTRIES OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA (EEA)To apply to become a police officer you must be an EEA National or a Swiss National. Commonwealth citizens and Foreign Nationals are required to have leave to enter or leave to remain in the UK for an indefinite period. Applicants must have resided in the UK for three continuous years immediately prior to application.

Although Bulgaria and Romania are members of the EEA, their citizens are not automatically entitled to remain in the United Kingdom. Therefore citizens from Bulgaria and Romania are also required to have leave to enter and leave to remain in the UK for an indefinite period.

Listed below are member countries of the EEA.

Austria

Belgium

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden United Kingdom



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APPENDIX C TATTOOSAny tattoos which could be construed as being offensive to any religion or belief, is in any way discriminatory, violent or intimidating, will not be accepted to join Essex Police.

During the eligibility stage you will be asked to provide a brief description of your tattoos and colour photographs. You will be required to supply two digital photographs of each visible tattoo:

1. A distance photograph to clearly identify where on the body the tattoo is.

2. A close up photograph to clearly identify the images.

Each photograph should not be more than 1MB in size. Photographs should be emailed to:

[email protected]

If your tattoo is not acceptable you will not be able to continue with your application.


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APPENDIX DRECOMMENDED MEDICAL STANDARDS

EAR, NOSE and THROAT DISORDERS Concern is raised with some ENT conditions where disruption of attendance, ongoing discomfort, balance or hearing incapacity will have major detrimental effects on the operational role of a police constable

ILLNESS/INJURY/ DISEASE POLICE APPLICANT NOTES

External ear Chronic otitis externa -Mild, OccasionalChronic otitis externa - Severe, RecurrentAtresia or stenosis of ear canal

Likely to be suitableLikely to require further information, investigation and assessmentLikely to require further information, investigation and assessment – unless excluded on audiometric criteria

Impedes function, balance and use of communications equipment.

Tympanic membrane and middle ear Perforation - HealedPerforation - ChronicVentilation tubes (grommets)Successful myringoplasty/ tympanoplastyChronic otitis media - HealedChronic otitis media - Inactive Chronic otitis media - ActiveChronic serous otitis mediaPost-mastoid surgery

OtosclerosisFacial palsy with loss of function

Likely to be suitableLikely to require further information, investigation and assessmentLikely to require further information, investigation and assessmentLikely to be suitableLikely to be suitableLikely to require further information, investigation and assessmentLikely to require further information, investigation and assessmentLikely to require further information, investigation and assessmentLikely to require further information, investigation and assessment, unless audiometric standards are not met. If active chronic disease – unlikely to be suitable

Likely to require further information, investigation and assessmentLikely to require further information, investigation and assessment



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EAR, NOSE and THROAT DISORDERS CONTINUEDConcern is raised with some z conditions where disruption of attendance, ongoing discomfort, balance or hearing incapacity will have major detrimental effects on the operational role of a police constable


Inner ear Meniere’s diseaseBenign positional paroxysmal vertigoHearing- Both ears above standardHearing- Both ears below standardHearing in one ear above standard, and hearing in one ear below standard

Applicants with hearing aids that bring their hearing above the minimum standard

Unlikely to be suitableLikely to require further information, investigation and assessmentLikely to be suitableUnlikely to be suitableLikely to require further information, investigation and assessment – applicant must be assessed carefully

Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Hearing standard - Hearing loss of more than a total of 84 dB over the 0.5 - 1.2 KHz range or more than a total of 123 dB over the 3,4 and 6 KHz range.For borderline cases or when hearing in one ear is above the standard and hearing in the other ear below standard, or when hearing aids are fitted, consideration should be given to a practical test of hearing to assess functional ability, for example speech and/or phoneme comprehension.

Nose Allergic vasomotor rhinitisRecurrent nasal polyps

Persistent chronic sinusitis

Likely to be suitableLikely to be suitable but If there is a significant history then likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Likely to be suitable but If severe, likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Throat TracheostomyChronic laryngitisOther laryngeal diseaseSevere speech impedimentBalance disorders and vertigo

Unlikely to be suitableLikely to require further information, investigation and assessmentLikely to require further information, investigation and assessmentLikely to require further information, investigation and assessment but unlikely to be suitable if the applicant cannot communicate effectively


Not compatible with safety near or in water

Unable effectively to perform vital task of radio and voice communication

Usually a symptom of another condition that may make the applicant unsuitable.



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CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM Some cardiovascular disorders can impair fitness by limiting working capacity or by risk of sudden incapacity. Therefore applicants with marked cardiovascular disorders will not be able safely and efficiently to perform the operational police constable role.


Coronary artery disease - SymptomaticCoronary artery disease - Asymptomatic

Unlikely to be suitableLikely to require further information, investigation and assessment

High risk of the operational role precipitating symptoms (chest pain) or a coronary event.

Congenital heart disease - CorrectedCongenital heart disease - Uncorrected

Likely to require further information, investigation and assessmentUnlikely to be suitable

Reassess after corrective surgery, unlikely to be suitable if loss of cardiovascular function

Cardiac murmurs Benign – likely to be suitable, else likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Requirement to meet normal cardiovascular function both at rest and exercise

Acquired valvular disease Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Unless benign unlikely to be suitable.

May compromise exercise tolerance

Disturbance of rhythm Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment May compromise exercise tolerance. Operational role may dangerously exacerbate the arrhythmia

Cardiomyopathies Unlikely to be suitable Operational role may precipitate a cardiac event. There may be a decrease in exercise tolerance.

Uncontrolled hypertension Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment May be referred for monitoring and treatment to own GP and assessed again when condition investigated and controlled.

Hypertension with end organ damage or unacceptable side-effects of treatment

Unlikely to be suitable

Controlled hypertension with no side-effects of medication

Likely to be suitable Subject to (annual) medical examination.

Established peripheral vascular disease affecting the lower limbs - Symptomatic

Established peripheral vascular disease affecting the lower limbs - Asymptomatic



Condition is not compatible with exercise requirements of operational police constable.

Raynaud’s phenomenon Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Cold may trigger painful attacks. May affect dexterity of hands in operating equipment.

Varicose veins Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Condition will inevitably deteriorate substantially with prolonged standing and sitting.

Severe varicose veins Likely to be unsuitable if symptomatic or sufficiently severe to restrict capacity to perform operational duties.



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RESPIRATORY SYSTEM Conditions adversely affecting respiratory fitness will limit working ability most commonly from the sensation of breathlessness


Any persistent respiratory disease impairing exercise capacity

Unlikely to be suitable Assessment should be made on a case by case basis.

Asthma Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Treated hay fever without history of wheezing

Likely to be suitable

Solitary spontaneous pneumothorax Likely to be suitable

Recurrent pneumothoraces Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Reassess after treatment aimed at preventing further recurrences

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affecting exercise capacity

Unlikely to be suitable The loss of normal respiratory function will limit exercise capacity even in the absence of superadded chest infections.

Tuberculosis - Active Unlikely to be suitable Unacceptable risk of transmission during training period

Tuberculosis - History of a previous episode of TB


Successfully treated Tuberculosis Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Sarcoid Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment



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ALIMENTARY SYSTEM


Peptic ulceration or dyspepsia Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Chronic pain may interfere with role.

Irritable bowel syndromeIrritable bowel syndrome - mild

Likely to require further information, investigation and assessmentLikely to be suitable

Applicant under investigation; require close proximity to the toilet; require codeine for control; or if the IBS has a significant association with stress

Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis)

Unlikely to be suitable, or if successfully treated UC, likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Chronic conditions with unpredictable course and relatively high surgical intervention rates.

Dietary conditionsCoeliac diseaseLactose intoleranceFood allergy

Likely to require further information, investigation and assessmentLikely to be suitableLikely to be suitable

Many sufferers will have minimal symptoms with good dietary control and will be suitable.

Hernia Likely to be suitable assuming > 3 months after successful surgical treatment. Untreated hernia refer to GP/defer till after surgery

Training and operational role will be compromised due to local weakness in abdominal musculature. Hernia is likely to increase in severity.

Anal and perianal conditions Likely to be suitable Persistent perianal sepsis will cause significant absence.

Anal and perianal conditions - Active chronic conditions


Chronic liver disease Unlikely to be suitable

Biliary diseaseGallstone diseaseChronic biliary tree


PancreatitisSingle episodePancreatitis - Chronic


Stoma with good nutritional state and no complications

Likely to be suitable Consider need for provision of special padding on uniform belts



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NEPHRO-UROGENITAL SYSTEM Renal disease and its sequelae can have profound effects on the ability of an operational police constable to attend let alone be safe and functional in his/ her occupation. Sudden incapacity from pain, hypertension and renal failure are the major complications


Haematuria/ Proteinurea Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment GP to investigate in the first instance

Nephritis History of nephritis and ongoing impairment unlikely to be suitable. Otherwise likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Recurrent urinary tract infections Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Persistent major urethral abnormality Unlikely to be suitable Treatment is likely to be protracted

Minor urethral abnormality Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Urinary incontinence Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Benign scrotal swellings Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Testicular tumours See miscellaneous conditions

Major congenital renal abnormality Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Normal renal function necessary to allow regular attendance and performance

Normal renal function Likely to be suitable

Polycystic kidney disease Unlikely to be suitable Progression to end stage renal failure

Unilateral kidney (with remaining kidney functioning well)

Likely to be suitable

Established renal stone disease Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Irreversible renal failure Unlikely to be suitable Associated fatigue, anaemia and therapy effects not compatible with operational police constable role.

Renal dialysis (Haemo/CAPD) Unlikely to be suitable Associated fatigue, anaemia and therapy effects not compatible with operational police constable role.



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ENDOCRINE SYSTEM A defective endocrine system is unable to properly adjust and correlate the activities of the various body systems and is not able to make them appropriate for the changing demands of the external and internal environment.


Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type 1 or type 2)

Unlikely to be suitable. However, further information, and assessment will be needed

Further information and assessment will be needed in order to assess each case on its merits

Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

The complications of diabetes can degrade the functional capacity of an operational police constable.Recent hypoglycaemic episode warrants deferral.

Thyroid disease Likely to be suitable – recruit must be undergoing treatment of have undergone successful treatment. If doubt exists, likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Pituitary disease Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Can be secondary to other conditions. If these other factors do not exclude a recruit then hormonal therapy treatment can allow individuals to return to normal function.

SKIN CONDITIONS Skin disease can be as much if not more disabling than disease of other organ systems. Physical disability from skin disease derives from decreased mobility of the abnormal stratum corneum or an abnormally stiff dermis. Special concern is raised with extensive hand and foot involvement and the resultant effect on dexterity and mobility respectively.


Extensive skin disease with chronic discomfort or disruption of dermal integrity.

Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Exposure to irritants or inhospitable environments will result in frequent exacerbations.

Widespread eczema/ dermatitis Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Mild eczema Likely to be suitable

Severe psoriasis Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Mild psoriasis Likely to be suitable

Malignant Melanoma, following excision Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment



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ORTHOPAEDIC and SOFT TISSUE CONDITIONS

Dexterity, mobility and good spinal function are essential physical requirements for an individual to undertake the role of an operational police constable.


General Any previous injury (fracture, soft tissue injury) or congenital deformity, causing long term reduction in function of a joint or limb


Implants Major joint replacement (total hip or knee) Internally fixed fractures (‘metal work’)Endoprosthetic replacements

Unlikely to be suitableLikely to require further information, investigation and assessmentUnlikely to be suitable

Unacceptable risk to the prosthesis from exercise requirements. Severe implications of prosthetic failure in an active adult.Assess on case by case basisRisk of re-fracture at site of metal work when returning to more energetic activities.Used in osteosarcoma surgery. Unacceptable risk of prosthesis failure or fracture around prosthesis. Assess on case by case basis

Knee disorders Medial meniscectomyLateral meniscectomyLigamentous injury requiring surgery or causing instability

Osteochondritis dissecans

Likely to require further information, investigation and assessmentLikely to require further information, investigation and assessmentLikely to require further information, investigation and assessment


Risk of early osteoarthritis with associated disability.

Risk of re-injury in operational role.Risk of severe knee joint damage.

Foot disorders Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Amputations (total or partial) of upper or lower limb Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Dislocation and instability of major jointsSingle episode of dislocation with no recurrenceRecurrent dislocation or surgical treatment required

Likely to be suitableUnlikely to be suitable - rarely, if excellent surgical results from stabilisation further information, investigation and assessment could be sought.

Risk of recurrent dislocation whilst engaged in operational activities (e.g. restraining).



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ORTHOPAEDIC and SOFT TISSUE CONDITIONS Continued Dexterity, mobility and good spinal function are essential physical requirements for an individual to undertake the role of an operational Police constable.


Cervical spineResolved whiplashCervical discectomy (+/- fusion)

Likely to be suitableUnlikely to be suitable

May be exacerbated by physical activities and driving.

Cervical discectomy will often not improve neck pain. Also there may be persisting neurological disability in the upper limbs.

Lumbar spineSingle level resolved lumbar disc disease +/- discectomyMultiple level lumbar disease Recurrent low back pain/ persistent sciatica

Likely to require further information, investigation and assessmentUnlikely to be suitableLikely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Low back pain +/- lower limb symptoms can be disabling. Exacerbated by driving, standing for long periods, other physical tasks.

Arthritis and related conditionsRheumatoid arthritisControlled gout without complicationsAnkylosing Spondylitis with chronic painMild Ankylosing Spondylitis with preserved functionReiter’s Diseases / reactive arthropathyConnective tissue diseases

Unlikely to be suitableLikely to be suitableUnlikely to be suitableLikely to require further information, investigation and assessmentLikely to require further information, investigation and assessmentLikely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Progressive joint damage with degrading of operational capacity.

Assessment should be made on a case by case basis.

Can cause diagnostic difficulties and often unpredictable course. Potential for severe incapacitation.



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HAEMATOLOGICAL DISORDERS


Previously undetected iron deficiency anaemia Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Refer to GP initially for investigations and treatment.

Other anaemias Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Many of the underlying conditions causing anaemia will make the applicant unsuitable.

G6PD deficiency Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Highly variable, but an applicant may be suitable.

Polycythaemia (Haematocrit>0.55) Unlikely to be suitable Unacceptable risk of disabling complications.

Thalassaemia major with severe chronic anaemia Unlikely to be suitable Unable to safely perform required exertion.

Sickle cell disease Unlikely to be suitable Anaemia & crises.

Sickle cell disease trait Likely to be suitable Usually asymptomatic.

Mild haemophilia - SymptomaticMild haemophilia - Asymptomatic


Physical tasks and risk of injury may precipitate haemorrhage.

Thrombocytopaenia Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment If platelets < 25 X 109/l then the recruit is unlikely to be suitable.

Anticoagulation therapy Unlikely to be suitable The underlying condition may also make the applicant unsuitable.

Leukaemia/ lymphoma with complete remission Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Those in complete remission may be suitable following further investigation.



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INFECTIOUS DISEASE


HIV infection - SymptomaticHIV infection - Asymptomatic


Assessment should be made on a case by case basis.

Resolved Hepatitis A infection Likely to be suitable

Hepatitis B carriers Unlikely to be suitable

Resolved Hepatitis B infection without carrier status Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Hepatitis C and D Unlikely to be suitable

Resolved Hepatitis E infection Likely to be suitable

Glandular fever Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment



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MISCELLANEOUS CONDITIONS


Childhood or early adult malignancy Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Narcolepsy Unlikely to be suitable

Body Mass Index outside normal range - 18 to 30 Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment BMI should only be used to screen individuals.

Malignant disease Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Genetic disease Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) with chronic pelvic pain


Incapacitating menorrhagia Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Incapacitating dysmenorrhoea Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Endometriosis Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Fibroids and ovarian cysts Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Cervical dysplasia CIN 1/2 Likely to be suitable

Cervical dysplasia CIN 3 Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Invasive carcinoma Unlikely to be suitable

Polycystic ovary disease Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Pregnancy Likely to be suitable after 3 months following delivery

Termination of pregnancy Likely to be suitable after 4 weeks following termination providing there are no complications



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NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS


Epilepsy – single seizure Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Those in whom no abnormality is found should have their acceptance for entry deferred for a period of 18 months *

* There is a high risk of recurrence during this time. If the seizure has occurred within the past 18 months it is recommended that entry to the police service be deferred for that period. If it is clear that the condition is likely to be permanent, then the applicant is unlikely to be suitable.

Epilepsy – recurrent seizures Unlikely to be suitable Assessment should be made on a case by case basis.

Migraine Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Headaches / Severe headaches Likely to be suitable

Head InjuriesSubarachnoid haemorrhageTransient Ishaemic AttacksHydrocephalus/insertion of shunts Multiple sclerosisMotor neurone disease, cerebella ataxias, progressive peripheral neuropathy and Parkinson’s disease

Likely to require further information, investigation and assessmentLikely to require further information, investigation and assessmentLikely to require further information, investigation and assessmentUnlikely to be suitableLikely to require further information, investigation and assessmentUnlikely to be suitable

Consideration should be given to applicants deferring entry for 12 months.

It is recommended that applicants suffering from MS be deferred for 12 months after the date of appearance of their last set of symptoms.



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CONDITIONS AFFECTING MENTAL AND PSYCHIATRIC HEALTH


Disorders first diagnosed in childhood or adolescence May not be suitable but further information, investigation, assessment required

Assessment should be made on a case by case basis

Cognitive and Amnestic Disorders Unlikely to be suitable Assessment should be made on a case by case basis

Substance related disorders Unlikely to be compatible but further information and assessment will be needed


Schizophrenia / Schizophreniform Disorder / Schizoaffective Disorder / Delusional Disorder

May not be suitable but further information, investigation, assessment required


Mood Disorders / Depression / Bipolar Disorders Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Generalised Anxiety Disorder / Panic Disorder / Phobic Anxiety / Obsessive Compulsive Disorder / Adjustment Disorder / Posttraumatic Stress Disorder


Somatoform Disorders / Factitious Disorders / Dissociative Disorders / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome


Eating disorders Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment

Personality Disorders Unlikely to be suitable Assessment should be made on a case by case basis.



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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSAge - is there a minimum or maximum age? The youngest age at which you can apply to be a special constable in Essex Police is 17 years and nine months. There is no upper age limit; however applicants must pass all elements of the recruitment process. Applicants must be 18 years of age to join a course.

Is anyone excluded from joining?You are not eligible to apply to join the Special Constabulary if your current employer relates to one of the following. Please refer to Appendix A for a detailed list:-

• Members of the armed forces (not including reservists)• Traffic wardens and school crossing patrols• Members of the employers’ police forces and private

constabularies• Members of police authorities, magistrates, clerks to

justices and clerks to courts• Neighbourhood and street wardens and other

uniformed patrol wardens• Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs)• Highways Agency Traffic Officers• Any other occupation which the Chief Constable

deems a conflict of interest may also prevent eligibility for the Essex Police Special Constabulary.

Nationality – are there restrictions?You must be a British Citizen or a member of the European Community (EC) or other states in the European Economic Area (EEA), a Commonwealth Citizen with un-restricted right of residence in the UK, or a citizen of the Irish Republic (please see Appendix B).

Residency – is there a qualifying period?All applicants need to reside permanently in the UK for a minimum of three years prior to applying. British Citizens who have been out of the country for more than six months need to obtain a letter of good conduct from the country/countries where they have been residing.

Do I need a driving licence?To become a Special Constable you will not need to have a driving licence.

Height – is there a maximum or minimum limit?There are no maximum or minimum height limits.

Criminal record – will this affect my application?Some criminal convictions will not prevent you from applying. If you apply, you must declare any conviction, civil or military, (including minor and juvenile offences, cautions, bind overs, reprimands and fixed penalty notices) regardless of how long ago these took place. Failure to declare any of these may result in rejection.

Additionally, spent convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 must be declared.

What about speeding convictions?You must declare all speeding and traffic offences including any points on your licence within the last five years.



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Can I apply if I have any financial debt?We carry out financial checks on each applicant. If you have been declared bankrupt, have an outstanding County Court Judgement (CCJ) or an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) you will need to check with the Business Centre to see if you are eligible.

How many hours do I need to work?We ask that you do a minimum of 4 hours per week; however the majority of special constables do more.

You are also required to complete an additional two hours training every two weeks in the evening. The hours that you work are flexible but on occasion you will be asked to do specific duties such as air shows, concerts and county shows.

If I become a special constable will it help me get into the regular force?Becoming a special constable does not automatically mean you would be accepted into the regular force. You will still have to be successful at the entire Police Constable Recruitment process.

The experience gained from being a special constable will provide a valuable insight into policing in general. Many of our special constables go on to become regular police officers.

How long does the application process take?The selection process involves a number of stages and can take up to 4 months to complete.

What is the attestation?The attestation ceremony takes place at the end of foundation training on a weekday evening. It is attended by a Regular Chief Officer, a representative from the Police & Crime Commissioner’s Office and a magistrate.

Special constables are required to swear the oath to the magistrate, accepting the responsibilities of a police officer and are issued a warrant card. Friends and family are usually invited to attend.

Can I apply if I have tattoos?You can apply with tattoos; however we will need photographs of each of your tattoos and an explanation. Please see Appendix C for full details.

I have a medical condition - will this affect my application?You will need to declare your medical history on the medical questionnaire. Appendix D provides a comprehensive list of medical standards. If you have a specific enquiry please contact our Business Centre on [email protected] who will refer your query our Occupational Health team



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