1. The Pathway to Policing in Scotland
Inspector Nadine Aliane, Sergeant Karen Leitch

2. Police Scotland 17 234 officers across Scotland
13 Territorial Divisions
National Standard for:
Recruiting and Selection process
Probationary Training Programme

3. Essential Criteria You need to be at least 18 years old to join
Be physically fit and meet national fitness standard
You must meet the national eyesight standard
You must also meet the vetting standards
NO driving licence required
UK national, EU citizen, Commonwealth citizen, indefinite leave to remain, 3 years residency

4. Are you what we are looking for?
Before you consider applying to join Police Scotland you need to understand how Police Scotland wants and expects all officers and staff to operate.
Our Code of Ethics for Policing in Scotland and our Standards of Professional Behaviour sets out:
What the public expect can from us
What we should expect from each other
Is designed as guidance for promoting positive service
delivery
Our 3 core values encompass our commitment to Human Rights
Integrity Fairness Respect

5. Additional information
No formal qualifications are required to apply
Police officer applicants must
Be of good character
Be able to demonstrate sound financial judgement
Tattoo Policy

6. Pathways into Policing
Regular Constable
Special Constable
Same entrance criteria
Often used if an element of the regular process has been narrowly missed
Serve the local community
Employer Supported Policing- a powerful partnership between some of Scotland’s national and local employers, Police Scotland and the candidate.
Graduate entry/Accelerated promotion scheme

7. Overview of selection process
Submit
Application & Vetting Forms
Forms Assessed
Standard Entrance Test
Initial Fitness Assessment
Competency Based Interview
Assessment Centre (not required for Special Constables)
Vetting Checks
Provisional
Offer
Final Vetting Checks
References
Medical
Final Fitness
Medical
*Random Substance Mis-use testing will also be undertaken
Conditional
Offer of Appointment

8. Probationary Period 2 year period at Scottish Police College
4 modules-11 weeks at Tulliallan then operational phase/modular assessments
Fitness test

9. Career Opportunities Lateral Development
Gain initial operational experience
Can apply for lateral posts after 2 year probation
Promotion
Diploma required
Good over all experience

10. Career Opportunities
Sergeant - Custody Officer - Criminal Justice Services Division - Dumfries
Constables - Secondment - L Division - Rothesay
Sergeant - Custody Officer - Criminal Justice Services Division - Cathcart - Glasgow
Constable or Sergeant - International Development and Innovation Unit - SPC - Jamaica Programme
Inspector - Local Policing Team - L Division - Dunoon
Constable - Surveillance Teams - Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit - North
Inspector - Professional Standards Department - Corporate Services - National
Sergeant - International Assistance Unit - National Intelligence Bureau - Scottish Crime Campus
Temporary Chief Superintendent - Head of Road Policing - Operational Support Division

11. Myths We solve everything in 30 minutes You have to be tall…
It is a macho organisation
CID is a promotion
You could be posted anywhere
You can transfer directly into specialist units

12. Questions?