How to become involved

There are several ways for a business to become an Employer Supported Policing organisation.

Give staff paid leave

As an ESP organisation you will agree a number of paid hours/days, per month or per year, for a Special Constable to undertake some of their duties and/or additional training during normal working hours. The time you give them is entirely up to you and we are on hand to guide you through this decision.

Give staff unpaid leave

You might support your staff by giving them unpaid leave for mandatory training, duties, or in times of significant emergency. If your organisation offers flexible working, this may also be an option for supporting your staff, to agree their working schedule alongside Specials duties.

Work with us to promote the scheme

Whether you are an ESP organisation or not, you can work with the police to promote the Special Constabulary and police volunteering in your workplace. This could include displaying posters, sharing leaflets, holding recruitment drives or publishing information in your staff magazine or intranet. It may be possible to support your efforts by holding roadshows at your workplace to promote the scheme.

Existing Specials within your organisation?

You may already have a member of staff working for you who volunteers as a Special Constable in their spare time who would benefit if you were an ESP organisation. You can also support any employees who are not yet volunteering and are interested in giving back to the community by becoming a volunteer police officer and we can help you develop policies and guidelines that will make your support clear to staff.

Duty commitments

Special Constables are required to commit 16 hours a month as a minimum. Some of these hours can be worked in evenings and on weekends and therefore should not impact with your employee’s day job too much.

Developing a HR policy

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) advise that businesses implement written guidelines to ensure that line managers, current Special Constable employees and potential Specials understand your organisation’s policy, such as time off for training.

It’s good to keep in touch

Regular contact between the Constabulary, employers and Special Constables is invaluable, as it ensures a high level of commitment to the ESP scheme is maintained and that those involved feel supported.
As part of the ongoing support provided, Humberside Police will provide you with information that will help you promote the scheme internally as well as enhancing your corporate social responsibility outwardly showing that you are actively supporting your employees through volunteering in policing. We can even help promote ESP events in the local press and social media.

Our commitment to you

We will provide your employees with comprehensive training and the skills necessary for them to become a competent police officer. Many of the skills they will develop are transferable and can be used equally well in the workplace. This training is provided at no additional cost to the employer, so there's no financial deterrent to employers in allowing their staff to build new skills and confidence.
We will provide you with a named contact within Humberside Police who will be your single point of communication for ESP and should you have any questions or concerns at any time.