Special inspector

A special sergeant is a core position within policing. It's a team leader role in the policing professional profiles. The special sergeant core rank profile outlines the basic requirements of the role. 

Role purpose

Special inspectors have the same powers as a special constable and are responsible for developing their teams (which may comprise special constables and/or special sergeants) whilst ensuring their portfolio responsibilities, organisational standards are met and agreed objectives are achieved. 

This role involves planning, managing and monitoring policing activity in relation to the special constabulary. Special inspectors assist in the deployment of special constabulary resources to planned operations and incidents. They manage and mitigate risk to ensure the safety and wellbeing of officers and the public.

Key responsibilities

Key responsibility statements show the accountabilities for someone in this role. They focus on what is done, not how it is done.

• Planning, managing and monitoring the operational policing and investigation activity for their team(s) of special constables in liaison with regular supervisors and managers. Managing competing demands and priorities to make informed deployment decisions. Ensuring best use of available resources to deliver an effective response which supports law enforcement and enables public safety.
• Leading a team(s) of special constables, upholding values and ethical standards. Acting with the highest level of professionalism in accordance with the law, public interest, and professional policing practice to protect the public by preventing and detecting crime.
• Leading, motivating, developing, and engaging a team of special constables. Supporting and enabling continuing professional development through regular review conversations. This will also involve discussing and agreeing goals and standards and giving timely, specific and constructive feedback. Enabling identification and support for talent development, career planning and high-performing teams of volunteers.
• Analysing performance data and information against team objectives to effectively inform organisational planning and measurement of department and force goals.
• Identifying, managing, and mitigating operational threats and risks in line with national guidance and operational policing plans to ensure the safety of officers, staff, volunteers and the public.
• Leading engagement and building collaborative working relationships with communities, partners and other stakeholders. Agreeing appropriate responses to enable an effective approach to preventing and tackling crime and vulnerability.
• Analysing and evaluating the effectiveness of existing processes and practices within area(s) of work to identify and implement opportunities for change and innovation. Promoting best practice and enabling improvement, problem solving approaches and evidence-based policing within teams.
• Fostering an inclusive team approach that role models ethical behaviours and combines diverse perspectives and experiences. Supporting people to contribute, challenge, and share feedback so that the team operates in line with the force’s values and ethics, enabling successful policing.
• Protecting and promoting wellbeing and welfare of special constable teams and individuals. Supporting team members to recognise and address wellbeing needs to protect and enhance the organisational environment.