On completing their 2 year probation period, all officers are eligible to apply for specialist departments. However, in practice, most officers complete at least a further two years uniformed operational service before being considered ready to apply. This allows officers to gain a considerable amount of experience and a clear understanding of all aspects involved in policing our communities.

Transfers to and from specialist posts, both within Force, such as CID, Community Support Unit, Licensing, Family Protection Unit etc. and outwith Force, e.g. Scottish Police College, National Criminal Intelligence Service etc., are administered by the home force Career Development Depts ⁄ Units and usually involve formal application and interview as part of the selection procedure.

Forces also offer developmental placements to specialist departments in order to increase personal knowledge and expertise. These placements can include departments such as CID, Drugs and Major Crime Squad, Traffic Department, Identification Branch, Events Planning and many others. They usual last between three and six months.