ACDP

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I apply to join the ACDP?
When do the ACDP Selection Processes take place?
Is ACDP open to external applicants?
How many officers are on the ACDP?
Can I apply as a serving officer who has passed all 3 subjects of the Police (Scotland) Promotion Examination, but not in one sitting?
Can I apply as a serving officer who has passed the Diploma in Police Service Leadership and Management?
Can I apply as an officer within my probation?
How many times can I apply for the ACDP?
What is the difference between the ACDP, the Accelerated Promotion Scheme for Graduates and the Accelerated Promotion Scheme?
How can I apply?
What do I do if I have further queries?

Q: When can I apply to join the ACDP?

Serving officers – eligible probationary officers, constables and sergeants can apply by submitting an ACDP application form as detailed within intake arrangements which are circulated to all forces and posted on this site when the recruitment window is open.

Q: When do the ACDP Selection Processes take place?

After a 12 month suspension and review of recruitment to the Accelerated Careers Development Programme, ACPOS is pleased to support a 2012 intake to the programme which will commence in February 2012.

2012 ACDP Eligibility to Apply

There are 3 potential access routes onto the Programme:

Probationary Officers – with a minimum of 12 months service on 27 April 2012, who are performing well and have achieved every formal assessment to date.
Constables– out with their probation. They may be currently qualified for promotion or otherwise.
Sergeants

There is no requirement for applicants for the 2012 ACDP Selection Process to be degree holders.

The 2012 ACDP Selection Process is no longer open to inspector or external graduate entrants.

2012 ACDP Selection Process

Stage 1 : Application Form
Stage 2 : Situational Judgement andWritten Test
Stage 3 : Assesment Centre

Applicants are required to evidence potential at "senior manager" level of the Policing Professional Framework at each stage of the process.

Stage 1 of the 2012 process will be coordinated by Forces and the ACDP Coordinator.

Stages 2 & 3 will be coordinated on behalf of ACPOS by the NPIA’s Exams and Assessment Unit – Senior Selection Team.

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE – 1600 HRS ON 30 MARCH 2012

For further information please contact your local ACDP Force Liaison Officer or ACDP@tulliallan.pnn.police.uk

Q: Is ACDP open to external applicants?

No – Following a review of the ACDP recruitment and selection process the 2012 ACDP Selection Process is open to internal applicants only.

For further information on joining the Scottish Police Service please contact the recruitment branch of the police force you are interested in joining or visit www.scottish.police.uk

Q: How many officers are on the ACDP?

There are currently under 40 officers on the Programme. There is however no fixed number of places or an annual intake quota, nationally or within forces.

Q: Can I apply as a serving officer who has passed all 3 subjects of the Police (Scotland) Promotion Examination, but not in one sitting?

Yes, Constables and Sergeants who are qualified for promotion beyond Inspector rank through the Police (Scotland) Promotion Examination are now eligible to apply for the ACDP, irrespective of whether they obtained all 3 subject papers in the same sitting or not.

Q: Can I apply as a serving officer who has passed the Diploma in Police Service Leadership and Management?

Yes, Constables and Sergeants who have passed the Diploma in Police Service Leadership and Management, or other mutually recognised promotion examination e.g. OSPRE Parts 1 and 2, are also eligible to apply.

Q: Can I apply as an officer within my probation?

Yes, the 2012 ACDP Selection Process is open to probationary officers who have a minimum of 12 months service at 27.4.12 and who have successfully achieved all formal assessments to date.

Q: How many times can I apply for the ACDP?

Candidates are limited to a maximum of 3 applications. The only exception to this is for officers who had previously accessed the Programme on their third application and were subsequently removed for not obtaining all Police (Scotland) Promotion Examination papers in one sitting under the then guidelines.

Q: What is the difference between the ACDP, the Accelerated Promotion Scheme for Graduates and the Accelerated Promotion Scheme?

The ACDP superseded the Accelerated Promotion Scheme for Graduates, which previously replaced the Accelerated Promotion Scheme. The ACDP was introduced in 2007 as part of a process aimed at modernisation, improved eligibility and closer alignment to the Senior Careers Development Service.

Q: How can I apply?

Eligible serving officers can apply by submitting an ACDP application form as detailed within intake arrangements circulated annually.

Q: What do I do if I have further queries?

If you have any further queries regarding the Programme please contact the ACDP Co-ordinator