The Scottish Police Service is keen to attract, identify, and develop the right officers to lead the police service to meet its future challenges. ACDP offers a phased developmental programme aimed at preparing and equipping police officers for senior posts within the Scottish Police Service. The Programme offers accelerated career challenges and personal growth opportunities which seek to optimise leadership and management potential. It is both highly demanding and highly rewarding.
Applicants seeking to join the service via this pathway must meet & successfully complete all standard entrance requirements. Additionally they must be successful throughout the four stage ACDP selection process.
There are three access routes onto the Programme:
Graduates and undergraduates within the final year of a degree course can apply to join any of the 8 Scottish police forces or the British Transport Police via the ACDP.
The vast majority of graduates and undergraduates joining the Scottish police service do so as standard (non-ACDP) entrants. Such entrants then apply for the ACDP during their two-year probationary period or via route 3.
Constables out with their probation, Sergeants and Inspectors, who are qualified for promotion beyond Inspector rank, can apply for the Programme whether graduates / undergraduates or not.
Mainstream opportunities exist for personal development and promotion, out with ACDP for all police officers.
