Metropolitan Special Constabulary

Metropolitan Special Constabulary

The Metropolitan Special Constabulary (MSC) is the part-time volunteer police force of the Metropolitan Police Service. Created nearly 180 years ago under the Special Constables Act of 1831, it currently consists of nearly 5,000 officers.

Officers of the MSC hold the full powers and privileges of a Police Officer throughout the England and Wales. They wear the same uniform and engage in the same work as regular police officers, such as foot & car patrol (whether alone, with another special constable or with a regular police officer), attending incidents and the policing of major events.

Special Constables are required to undertake a minimum of 200 hours of operational duties every year, spread over a minimum of 16 hours per month. However, many do more than the basic requirement.

Read more about Metropolitan Special Constabulary:  Numbers and Distribution, Recruitment, Training and Equipment, Leadership

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