Employer Supported Policing
Employer Supported Policing (ESP) is a scheme that helps you balance your job with volunteering as a Special Constable.
It’s a partnership between Police Scotland and a wide range of employers across the country.
If your employer is part of ESP, they may give you time off to train and serve as a Special Constable. This support makes it easier to manage your work, personal life and police volunteering.
ESP is well established and includes many organisations, from large companies and small businesses to public sector employers such as councils and the NHS.
How it works
Your employer may give you paid or unpaid leave to attend training and duties. We recommend employers provide at least 10 days of paid leave.
We handle:
- recruitment
- vetting
- training
- uniform
- ongoing support.
You will need to carry out at least 96 hours a year (about one shift a month).
If your workplace is part of ESP, this means your employer is already committed to supporting you in the role. If they’re not signed up, you can still apply to become a Special Constable. However, you may want to speak with your employer about the scheme.
Next steps
Your current employer does not need to be part of ESP to apply as a Special Constable, but if your employer is signed up it can make balancing your commitments much easier.
When you’re ready to apply, check if your employer is part of ESP, or share it with them if you think they would be interested in supporting you.
To find out if your employer is an ESP partner or for more information on the benefits to employers, staff, police and local communities then please email: volunteercoordination@scotland.pnn.police.uk
If you're interested, fill out our Employer Supported Policing form.
