There is still time to apply to be a Special Constable with Humberside Police.
Applications are open for both general Special Constable and specialist Marine Special Constable roles.
Special Constable Simon Collins has been a Special for 27 years and has experienced being a volunteer on both land and sea, he said:
“Being a long-term career Special is so rewarding; it fits in amazingly with family life, personal circumstances, and my career in a completely different sector too. I love being out on the water (in all conditions!), but when I was a Special on land, I was embedded within the local neighbourhood policing team responding to everything from anti social behaviour and burglaries to domestic violence and serious assault.
“Regardless of what capacity you join our Special Constabulary in, you will be working with a great group of like-minded people who are there to support you every step of the way.
“If a member of the public saw an officer on the street, you wouldn’t know if they were a paid or volunteer officer when we’re attending the same incidents. The only difference you might see when trying to figure out if they’re based across our countryside or coast, is that the Marine Specials may be slightly more soggy!
“Regardless, we deal with the same kinds of people, often people at their most vulnerable. We run (or swim) towards danger, and we must remain calm and professional at all times.
“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, marine, 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. Obviously the maritime sector comes with it’s own variety of specialist skillset and knowledge too!
“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 27 years now and still love it as much as I did when I first started.
“Even after swapping out land for the shore, every day I can see I’m making a difference; I’m helping safeguard vulnerable people, and victims of crime. Not only am I out doing what I love on the water, but at the same time I’m proactively patrolling and safeguarding our ports and waterways, and ultimately protecting our coastal communities.”
Applications close for the Marine Special Constable role on Sunday, 14 June 2026, and the regular Special Constable role on Sunday, 21 June 2026.
