Introduction
 Whilst the opportunity to progress will exist
for all officers who show potential, a 'fast track' has been created
for those individuals who show particular flair and promise. APSG
provides a structured career path for the most promising and capable
graduates entering the police.
After gaining a grounding in police work, their potential is developed
with an emphasis on substantial responsibility early in their career.
A programme of between 5 and 7 years will provide a structure that
allows career development from the rank of Constable to Inspector
and will identify officers 'ready for promotion' to Chief Inspector.
It is anticipated that a number of these individuals will go on
to hold Chief Officer rank.
The Scheme offers an accelerated route to senior management - not
a bypass. It must be stressed that an individual who wishes to gain
success and advancement within police management must first make
the grade as an effective and capable uniformed operational Constable
involved in all the activities of that role.
The vast majority of graduates entering the Scottish Police Service
do so as standard (non APSG) candidates. For these graduates there
is the opportunity to apply for the APSG during the initial 2 year
probationary period if they wish to do so. The benefits of APSG
outlined in the following are also available to non graduate entrants
who, having passed the Police Scotland Promotion Examinations, show
considerable promise and potential.
What we're looking for
 If you can answer YES to the
following questions and are looking for a challenging career,
then the Scottish Police Service may be what you are looking
for:
- Are you a British citizen, or a citizen of the EU?
- Are you over 18 years?
- Are you honest, mature and socially aware?
- Can you be assertive?
- Are you an effective communicator?
- Can you relate to others, showing sympathy and tact as necessary?
- Can you give and respond to instructions?
- Can you work effectively as part of a team as well as exercise
your initiative?
- Can you weigh up a situation and decide on an appropriate course
of action?
- Are you willing and able to commit yourself to academic study?
- Are you willing to submit yourself to a physical training programme?
- Can you accept discipline?
- Are you prepared to work shifts?
- Do you posses at least an ordinary degree or equivalent?
Selection Procedure
Upon making an application for APSG, you are subject to the entry
requirements and selection process for the force of your choice.
The selection process varies from Force to Force but will include:
- Standard Entrance Test
- Background Inquiries
- Medical Checks
- Fitness Assessment
- Interviews
 If you are deemed suitable for
standard entry you will go forward to the APSG selection process.
The first stage is psychometric (or aptitude) testing, if successful you will progress to a Force
Selection Board. Again, individual Forces have their own procedures,
however, you may be asked to undertake a formal panel interview
and/or a series of individual and group exercises.
If you pass
this stage you will attend an Assessment Centre at the Scottish
Police College. This is held for candidates from all
Scottish Forces. This can include interviews, individual
and group exercises, chairmanship exercises, personality questionnaires
and management interest inventories.
If successful, a recommendation will be made to your Force and
you will be appointed as a Constable. If unsuccessful in the APSG
selection procedure you may be offered an appointment under standard
entry conditions.
Role of the Police Officer
Police
officers guard, watch and patrol in order to:
- Protect life and property
- Preserve order
- Prevent crime and detect offenders
- Prepare reports, serve legal documents and attend court to give
evidence
If
successfully selected for the Force, whether as an APSG or
standard candidate, you will be allocated to a particular area
and, after training, you will work a shift system, be part of a
team and patrol either on foot or in car.
Your
daily duties are likely to include:
- Attending calls to assist the public
- Preparing crime reports and other paperwork
- Making inquiry into crimes and offences
- Attending court and giving evidence
- Making arrests
- Attending accidents and fires
- Dealing with crimes and offences
- Taking statements
- Searching for missing persons
- Escorting prisoners
- Interviewing witnesses and suspects
You will initially be accompanied by a Tutor Constable who will
assist and advise you. In due course you will patrol alone.
HPDS in England, Wales & Northern Ireland
Similar provisions
to APSG exist in Forces outwith Scotland for England, Wales &
Ireland, known as the High Performance Development Scheme (HPDS).
Broadly similar career prospects are offered and candidates interested
in Forces outwith Scotland can write for further information from
the:
Police Graduate Liaison Officer,
Room 553,
Home Office,
Queen Anne's Gate,
London
SW1H 9AT
Telephone: - (08456) 083000 Quote: HPDS
If you feel that you may be better suited to Standard Entry at
this time, you should contact the Recruiting Department of the Force
of your choice. You can obtain contact details for all Forces in
Scotland by visiting the Scottish Police UK website: [ http://www.scottish.police.uk ].
Minutes of Meetings
Accelerated Promotion Scheme Sub Committee
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