There is still time to apply to be a Special Constable with Humberside Police.
The force says that so far “over 150 people” have have shown interest or applied since the online applications opened in December 2025.
Special Superintendent Joe Broderick who has been a Special for 13 years whilst also working in the force’s Digital Forensic Unit said:
“We are delighted that so many people are interested in joining us as a Special Constable.
“Thirteen years ago, my original plan was to join as a volunteer before moving into a regular, paid police officer role. This is how a lot of officers start their policing journey as it’s seen as a brilliant way to get a real-life insight into what is an extremely privileged and unique career.
“However, after experiencing life as a volunteer police officer, a lot of people – me included – end up deciding that becoming a career Special is the perfect pathway instead.
“I first thought being a Special was the next best thing whilst I waited for an opening to become a paid police officer, but I quickly realised how rewarding it is as a volunteer, not just because it fitted in so well with family life, managing childcare, and working my shifts around my own life.
“If a member of the public saw an officer on the street, you wouldn’t know if they were a paid officer or volunteer officer when we’re attending the same incidents. We deal with the same people, often people at their most vulnerable. We face the same dangers, and we must remain calm and professional, just like our paid colleagues.
“It’s a job like no other – you’re going to see the best of society, and the worst, but you’re out there making a difference in the community. Helping people day in and day out. It’s such a unique position to be in.
“Successful applicants will find this work varied, challenging, interesting – and valuable to our communities.
“We’re always on the lookout for more Specials to join us, and we want people who can bring all different sorts of skills, from different backgrounds, cultures, and different walks of life. We find that having that mix of corporate and policing backgrounds really makes for a successful partnership, we learn a lot from our colleagues who have only ever known policing, and they learn a lot from us too because we come from outside with a different perspective and fresh pair of eyes.
“You’re continually learning on the job and that’s why people should jump at this chance to become part of the force, and part of the police family.
“I’ve been doing this for 13 years now and still love it as much as I did when I first started. Every day I can see I’m making a difference to my local communities, I’m helping safeguard vulnerable people, and victims of crime. I’m out there proactively patrolling our communities and it’s just so satisfying.”
There is still time to apply. The deadline is Sunday, 22 February 2026.
