Special beginnings: An explorative study of the early career experiences of volunteer special constables

Abstract

The paper reports on a study of the early career experiences of voluntary Special Constables. The research identified the importance of practising, becoming and belonging for volunteers during initial training. Significant challenges in their early front-line practice were experienced alongside problems of processes, management, and organisation, and cultural challenges in terms of ‘fitting in’ and building relationships. The paper argues for the need to further professionalise police force approaches to new Special Constables and the need to shift away from a ‘finding their own way’ paradigm for new volunteer officers towards a structured, unified pathway of development.