Metropolitan Special Constabulary - Training and Equipment

Training and Equipment

The MSC Foundation Training course consists of twenty-three days of training, incorporating four days of officer safety training and two days of first aid training, with the remainder being classroom-based learning covering the necessary knowledge and skills needed by officers for the execution of their duties as special constables. The training consists of three main assessments to ensure knowledge and additional assessments for Officer Safety Training and Emergency Life Support.

Delivery of the course is offered in three forms, which recruits choose according to their convenience, as an intensive course taken over four weeks and three days, a weekend course usually taking place on one Sunday per week over the course of four months, or as a hybrid course consisting of two weeks intensive training followed by the remaining thirteen weekends (either Saturday or Sunday). In addition to the Training School at Hendon, MSC Foundation Training is now conducted at local training sites throughout London including Bethnal Green, Orpington and Barkingside. After completing their initial training, further training is provided at their local Borough and units, which continues throughout their career. MSC Officers are trained to police public order events, and resources permitting, officers can also be trained as response drivers, cyclists and other skilled roles. During the course of their training special constables are issued with an identical uniform and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as their regular colleagues (Batons, Handcuffs and CS spray). When the uniform is issued, Special Constables can wear it at their training.

Once Special Constables have finished their foundation training, they take the Police Oath at an attestation ceremony either at New Scotland Yard or Hendon Police College. At this event, they are issued with their Warrant Card and then enjoy the full powers and privileges of a Constable throughout England and Wales and adjacent Waters.

MSC officers receive no payment for duties they perform. However, they can claim travel costs and receive a subsistence allowance. They are also afforded free travel both on/off duty on the London Underground, Docklands Light Railway, London Buses the Croydon Tramlink and London Overground, by virtue of arrangements with TFL, on production of their Warrant Card.