Q. Are Lothian and Borders, Fife, Central and Tayside Police currently recruiting for Police Constables?

Updated 28th July 2010:
Central Scotland Police: No further applications will be accepted until further notice.
Fife Constabulary: Fife continues to accept applications at present but these are under an on-going review and could be subject to change at any time. Applicants should also be aware that, at present, they would be joining a recruitment 'pool' and it is impossible to say precisely how long they may have to wait for appointment.
Lothian & Borders Police: No further applications will be accepted until further notice.
Tayside: No further applications will be accepted until further notice.
All forces are presently recruiting Special Constables. You should look at your chosen Force website for further information on Special Constable Recruitment.

Q. I'm thinking about joining the police at some time in the future. What type of employment experience would you recommend?

There are no specific jobs that will give you all the required experience. Any employment where you are working face to face with the public would be beneficial. Challenging situations where you need to make decisions, use initiative, work in a team and develop your interpersonal skills would also be useful.

Q. Are there any age restrictions for applying?

The minimum age for applicants is 18 years old. We do not have an upper age limit but consideration is given to the retirement age for Police Constables (60 at present).

Q. Is there a height restriction?

No.

Q: I have a tattoo, will this affect my application?

Having a tattoo will not automatically disbar you from the recruitment process but any tattoo which causes offence or is considered racist, sexist, homophobic or intimidating will be unacceptable. In the first instance you should contact the Recruitment Team and discuss this issue further. It is unlikely that any tattoo on the hands, face or neck, except for cultural purposes, would be accepted

Q. If unsuccessful, when can I apply again?

Unsuccessful applicants must wait a minimum of 6 months if unsuccessful before re-applying.

Q. How many times can I sit the Standard Entrance Test (SET)?

The Scottish Government sets the exam. There are currently only 3 papers in use. If you fail on your 3rd attempt, you will be excluded from any further application. A sample SET paper is available on this site here.

Q. How many times can I apply?

Candidates who have made an unsuccessful application to join any police force in the United Kingdom must wait 6 months before a further application will be considered. Only in exceptional circumstances will a further application be considered from a candidate who has had three unsuccessful applications. An unsuccessful application is deemed as having failed to meet the required standard in some aspect of the process and should not be confused with circumstances where an application has not been processed for reasons that would not constitute a rejection. All previous applications must be declared.

Q. Can I apply to more than one Force at a time?

No.  You may only apply to one Force at any one time.  You must also leave 6 months between applications. All previous applications must be declared as enquiries will be made with all forces.

Q. Are there any specific qualifications I would need to join?

We do not ask for any formal qualifications but candidates must pass the Standard Entrance Test and show that they are competent in written and spoken English and be sufficiently numerate.

Q. Are there any other specific skills I would need?

We expect applicants to have good communication, teamwork and decision making skills. Experience in dealing with the public and initiative are amongst many useful skills we look for.

Q. I have a medical condition. Would this stop me from applying?

Having a medical condition will not necessary exclude you from applying. The Scottish Government has set guidelines regarding pre-employment medical standards. If you progress to the medical stage you will be assessed by a medical practitioner based on these guidelines.

Q. I’m currently serving with HM Forces, when can I apply?

Members of HM Forces will only be considered within the twelve months prior to their release date, unless they indicate that they are eligible to take premature voluntary release, and can have this confirmed by their Commanding Officer. Due to the length of time the process takes we would advise applicants to apply within their last 6 months.

Q. What does your fitness assessment consist of?

The fitness assessment consists of:

1. A push/pull machine will be used to measure upper body strength
2. Timed 1.5 mile run (A bleep test may be used in adverse weather conditions)

The results of the fitness assessment are both age and gender dependent. A training programme for the fitness assessment is available here

Q. Do I need a driving licence to apply?

Yes.  You must hold a full UK driving licence.

Q. How long do I have to reside in the UK before I can apply to Scottish Police Service?

Applicants must be a British citizen, a member of the EU or other states in the EEA, a Commonwealth citizen or a foreign national free of restrictions. You should also have been resident in the UK for a minimum of three years immediately prior to application. In certain circumstances, it is possible for the minimum residency period for vetting to be waived. This can only be done where it is possible to make, or confirm, checks in the relevant jurisdictions with local Law Enforcement and National Security bodies, which are equivalent, and of similar standard, to enquiries which would be made in the UK, on both the applicant and all family members and associates. In cases where it is not possible to make the equivalent checks, the residency criterion will be stringently enforced.

Q. I’m currently a serving Police Constable with another UK Force, can I transfer to one of the East of Scotland Forces and, if so, how long would this take?

Yes. Applications to transfer as a Police Constable normally take between 6 to 9 months however please note that at present Lothian and Borders, Central and Tayside Police are not recruiting

Q. I have a previous conviction. Would this stop me from applying to the Scottish Police Service as a Police Constable?

All previous convictions are assessed in context with your application to join. Having a previous conviction for a minor matter may not necessarily prevent you from applying.  If you are successful at the Assessment Centre, full vetting will be carried out further into the process.

Q. What convictions will prevent me from applying?

Drink driving, crimes of violence, dishonesty, racial, sexual or drug related crime. If you have any concerns about minor convictions, we would encourage you to discuss this with the Recruitment Team prior to submitting an application.

Q. Will I have to work shifts?

Yes. Operational Police Officers currently work a shift pattern covering 24/7. There is an early shift, backshift and nightshift. You will be required to work weekends and some public holidays.

Q. Can I apply for a specialist department?

You must serve a two year probationary period before applying for a specialist department.

Q. Can I work part-time?

Yes, you can apply to work on a part-time basis, however, all training must be attended on a full time basis.

Q. I am at University completing a degree. Can I apply for the Accelerated Career Development Programme (ACDP)?

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. Undergraduates appointed to the Programme must successfully complete their degree within the applicable time frame remaining.

Any degree awarded by a university or college which is recognised by the Scottish Government, or other equivalent United Kingdom Authority, is acceptable. Professional qualifications equivalent to a degree are also acceptable. The vast majority of graduates and undergraduates joining the Scottish police service do so as standard (non-ACDP) entrants. Such entrants can also apply for the ACDP during their two-year probationary period.

If your question is not listed here please contact the recruitment team by email