Police officers maintain law and order. They protect people and property, prevent crime, investigate crime and give evidence in court against offenders.

The Work

You could be:

• patrolling a community to prevent crime and protect people and their property
• attending calls from the public
• searching suspects and crime scenes for evidence
• helping at road traffic accidents and other emergencies
• interviewing witnesses and suspects, and taking statements
• investigating crimes and making arrests
• writing crime reports and giving evidence in court
• controlling crowds at events and demonstrations
• taking part in community and public awareness activities.

Pay

The salary for newly appointed police officers is £30,039 a year. On completion of 1 year service this rises to £32,685, and after 2 years to £35,330. After 10 years service your salary will be at least £48,237 a year. (As of April 2023).

Conditions

• On the beat you would often work outdoors in all weathers.
• You could also be in a patrol car, on a motorcycle or a bicycle.
• You would also work indoors - in a police station; at court; when visiting homes, schools, businesses and community centres.
• You would normally work a 40 hour shift pattern.
• You would work shifts including evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays.
• You may have to work longer days and be flexible about your shifts, which can have an impact on your family life.
• For most posts you would wear a uniform, which is provided.
• The job is physically and mentally demanding and there is some risk of physical injury.

Useful Subjects

• Gàidhlig
• Gaidhlig / Gaelic
• Modern Studies
• Physical Education
• SfW Uniformed and Emergency Services
• Sociology

Getting In

No formal entry qualifications are required, as life experience is more important. You must:

• be at least 18 years old, although you can apply at 17½
• be a British, European Union or Commonwealth citizen; or have permission to stay in the UK indefinitely
• have lived in the UK for at least three years before your application
• be physically fit
• pass medical and eye checks
• hold a full driver's licence (manual) at the point of making your application
• be willing to work in any of the local divisions in Scotland on completion of the probationary training.

If you meet these requirements the next step is to apply.

Application process

• You will find recruitment details on the Police Scotland website.
• The first step in applying is to download and complete an application form.

Assessment 

• If your application is accepted you sit a series of tests called the Police Scotland Entrance Test (PSET).
• You will find sample tests on the Police Scotland website.
• The three tests assess your skills in language, working with numbers and information handling. You will be required to answer 49 questions in 60 minutes.
• If you pass, you will take an initial fitness assessment.
• If you pass the fitness test then you have an initial interview.

Final stages

• If you are successful at the initial interview, you will go through a thorough background check and references will be taken at this point.
• Once this has been done, you will be invited to attend an assessment centre, where you undertake a number of exercises testing your skills, followed by a final interview.
• You would then undergo a medical, substance misuse testing and a final fitness assessment.

As well as Police Scotland, you can work with the British Transport Police, which polices railways, and the Ministry of Defence Police which protects Ministry of Defence properties. See their websites for details.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2024

12374

0.6 %

RISE

2029

12453

  United Kingdom

2024

135533

3.3 %

RISE

2029

140064

LMI data powered by Lightcast

What Does it Take?

You need to be:

• honest
• responsible and mature
• keen to serve the community
• assertive but tactful
• aware of the problems faced by different communities and groups in society
• keen to learn and prepared to study
• good at collecting and handling information.

You need to be able to:

• communicate with people of all backgrounds and ages
• work as part of a team and show initiative
• face physical danger
• observe carefully and pay attention to detail
• make decisions, think and react quickly
• take, and carry out, orders
• accept responsibility and, where necessary, take command of a situation
• remain calm and polite under pressure no matter how others react.

Training

• All new probationary police officers now complete a two year Modern Apprenticeship in Policing. 
• Initial training takes place over 12 weeks at Police Scotland Training and Recruitment Centres, the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan.
• The remainder of the training takes place in your division.
• During this time recruits will work towards a Certificate in Policing at SCQF Level 7.
• On completion of the Modern Apprenticeship, you will progress to the role of police constable, a front line response officer.
• You will do ongoing training throughout your time in the police force.

Getting On

• There are a variety of specialisms that police constables can be involved in if they undertake further training including authorised firearms officer, roads policing officer and dog handler. Entry to some specialisms is very competitive.
• There is a well established promotion structure within the police force.
• You must complete the Diploma in Police Service Leadership and Management (PDA) to progress to senior levels and you may have to do further training.
• To get promotion, you may have to move to another area of the force. You will usually get relocation expenses.

More Information

Police Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV) are groups of up to 24 young people based across Scotland.

Volunteers are aged 13-17, but you can only apply if you are aged between 13 and 15. The programme allows those interested to get an insight into policing in Scotland, and inspire individuals to participate positively within their communities.

Each PSYV group is coordinated by a police officer.

Complete this form to register your interest.

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Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.