Employer Supported Policing

Employee FAQs

What’s the main aim of ESP?
To reassure communities and tackle crime in London by providing a visible, knowledgeable and accountable uniformed patrol presence; to provide police training and experience for staff of employers across London with those staff supported by their day job employer; to strengthen relationships and networks between police and business and provide a great business security and corporate social responsiblites benefit for the employer.

Do I get free travel as a Metropolitan Special Constable (MSC)?
Yes, if you perform at least 200 hours duty a year as a Special you will benefit from free travel on London's tube, buses, Croydon Tramlink DLR* and Transport for London operated London overground services. Free travel is available on and off duty so it will save you money each month. Transport operators want police officers on their trains and buses, so if you live anywhere within Greater London, you may not have to pay for journeys to and from your day job.

* This offer is subject to MSC policies, which are available on request. As a guide, a Metropolitan Special Constable performing one day's duty per fortnight would accrue 208 hours duty per year.

Are there entry requirements for MSC officers?
If you want to apply for the Metropolitan Special Constabulary, you must be between the ages of 18 and 57 years. We also may be able to accept applications from citizens of the EU and further afield if you have ‘indefinite leave to remain in the UK’. No formal qualifications are required in order to apply; however, it is helpful to have some equivalent life experience. You'll be required to complete a competency based application form, written tests and a structured interview. There are also medical and fitness elements. You would need to be at least 18½ years of age on the first day of training – so although it's best to apply now, you might have to wait a short while for your course if newly 18.

Am I subjected to security checks?
Yes, as you would expect for joining any police force, checks are made on you and your immediate family for criminal convictions, in addition to local intelligence checks and a Counter Terrorism Check. This is standard procedure and involves completing one simple form.

How long is the training?
If successful in your application, your training will be conducted either over four and a half weeks on a weekday course, or on 23 consecutive Sundays. It’s delivered by qualified Metropolitan Police Trainers. To give you a brief flavour of the syllabus, here is a list of just some the key subject areas covered:

  • Completion of Admin / Phonetic Alphabet / Pocket Book Rules.
  • Property / Crime Reporting / Victim Needs / Minimum Standards for Crime reporting.
  • Powers of Arrest / Incident Report Books.
  • Theft and Offensive Weapons.
  • Stop and Search.
  • Assaults.
  • Criminal Damage and Revision Practicals.
  • Powers of Entry / Public Order / Racist Incidents / Drunkenness.
  • Traffic and Drink Drive / community and Race Relations/Human Rights Training.
  • Officer Safety Training / Emergency Life Support Training.
  • Policing Safely Training.
  • Uniform Fitting.
  • Practical Competency Final Assessments and Dress Code.

Where will the training take place?
Near to you, or at one of the main Metropolitan Police Training Centres in London, including the Hendon training estate. Training is non-residential, either taking place Monday to Friday during normal office hours, or on 23 consecutive Sundays or as a combination of the two. Your employer 'sponsors some or all this time off (and one day per fortnight for patrols) as part of the scheme, meaning that they should pay you in the same way as if you'd been at work in your day job (paid leave for the course or paid leave in lieu). It’s up to yourself and your employer to ensure this happens.

Are there any tests I have to pass?
As a recruit in initial training, you'll be given regular assessment, to ascertain whether you have an understanding of what you've learnt. You'll also be given a final examination. Recruits who fail to achieve the required minimum standard will receive additional coaching and will be afforded every encouragement to complete initial recruit training.

How many hours do I have to do each week?
The basis of the ESP scheme is that your employer provides you with paid time to carry out your training and up to one day (8 hours) every 2 weeks to carry out your duties. You need to perform at 200 hours duty per year, which includes your sponsored time. You are invited to carry out further duties in your own time, where you can volunteer to take on some 'different' duties, possibly such as part of high-profile ceremonies such as 'Trooping the Colour' or with a specific Unit to crack down on, for example, town centre night-time anti-social behaviour. You can also undertake further, optional training in this extra time, for example to become a specialist in a particular field of policing interest. However your welfare and your ability to do your usual 'day job' should be borne in mind.

Where would I patrol?
You would be assigned to policing duties in a particular London Borough or specialist unit. In many cases, patrols will be relevant to your employing sector / industry. You are welcome to take on additional work (e.g. ceremonial events, football matches) elsewhere in London as part of a structured programme. This would be in your own time, not sponsored as additional paid leave by your employer. The only usual exception to this is in the event of a serious security situation or the 2012 games when your employer may be asked to release you for a longer period. This is optional.

What powers will I have?
Across England and Wales you'll have all the responsibilities, powers of arrest and privileges of the Regular Police.

What is the role of a standard MSC officer?
An ESP Special Constable will usually be involved in policing in area local relevant to their day job, however it is worth understanding how the MSC works generally.

The Metropolitan Special Constabulary is a local borough-based resource, usually supporting local policing plans and Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) priorities by working in trained, structured groups, and targeting local crime reduction. MSC officers are each deployed in one the 32 London Boroughs, a central Operational Support Unit, the Marine Support Unit or at Heathrow Airport.

Is there a probationary period?
The probationary period for a Metropolitan Special Constable is the same as that of a regular officer, i.e., two years from the date of joining. Regular assessments will take place throughout the period of probation and confirmation of appointment is dependent upon the probationary period being completed to a satisfactory standard. The period of probation can be extended if it is felt that the required standard is not being met in order that remedial action can be taken.

New Special Constabulary Service Regulations give the Commissioner the authority to dispense with the services of a probationary MSC if the required standard has not been reached despite extensions.

Am I subject to any disciplinary code of conduct?
There are specific regulations governing the Special Constabulary in terms of the government, administration and conditions of service as they affect MSC officers. The main statute is currently the Police Act 1996. Since 1st April 2004, complaints made against Metropolitan Special Constables have been subject to investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission in the same way as regular officers.

Will my employer be notified if I am subject to any disciplinary action?
It depends on the seriousness of the situation, and we ask your employer to notify us if there is any serious official disciplinary action taken against you.

Am I legally protected in the execution of my duty?
The MPS will protect the rights of all police officers who act correctly in accordance with their duty. Those officers will be afforded every means of support. In addition, the Home Office fund a Legal Fees Insurance Scheme, which provides legal protection to Metropolitan Special Constables for incidents that arise on duty. This covers:

Personal Injury, Misconduct Hearings, Legal Defence and Discrimination.

Claims will only be progressed if there are reasonable prospects that such a claim will be successful or that you have a probable defence.

If I am injured, am I entitled to compensation?
Loss of income as a result of being ill or injured on duty is a complex area and bound by legislation as set out in a number of Statutory Instruments and Home Office circulars.

Any officer who is ill or injured on duty or whilst travelling to and from duty (it should be noted that this is different from regulations covering regular officers) is usually entitled to be fully reimbursed the actual loss of income as a result of the illness or injury. This cover is paid until the officer recovers or for a period of 28 weeks, which ever is the sooner. If the officer is off work for a longer period then at the discretion of the Police Authority an ex-gratia payment can be made. This is dependent on the merits and severity of the injury and the likelihood of recovery. There are provisions for officers who suffer more serious injuries or suffer from more debilitating illnesses. Officers who are required to attend Court are entitled to a full refund of any loss of income as a result of their attendance.

Do I get paid for being a Special Constable? What about expenses?
As an Employer Supported Special Constable, your employer is 'sponsoring' some or all of your onduty hours by giving you paid leave - so you are effectively being paid. As you are a police volunteer, you receive no salary from the MPS. However, Metropolitan Special Constables are now entitled to Free travel on London's tube, buses, Croydon Tramlink and DLR* and Transport for London operated London Overground services. Free travel is available on and off duty, and it is open to all current Met Special Constables who perform at least 200 hours duty a year*. In addition what is known as a refreshment allowance is paid based on the number of hours you perform duty. There are some further expenses allowances to ensure you are not out of pocket– contact Tim Reason (p3) for details.

* This offer is subject to MSC policies which are available on request.

Can I drive police vehicles?
Yes. Metropolitan Special Constables may be authorised in accordance with the instructions of the Borough Commander to drive police vehicles under the basic driver classification, i.e., in a 'non-response' mode without using blue lights and sirens and without the response mode privileges of, for example, driving through red lights.

Is there any other training after I complete my initial course?
Yes. As a police officer, it's vital that you keep up to date with the latest developments and refresh your skills and knowledge. What is known as 'Continuation Training' takes place regularly and this builds upon the Foundation Course in addition to refresher and new legislation training. Mandatory Officer Safety Training is also required every six months and Emergency Life Support Training every three years. You would do some of this in your sponsored duty hours but we would ask you to give some of your own time for training.

Employer Supported Policing

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