Policing

This Modern Apprenticeship has been designed as the training programme for new police officers joining the force. It will help to ensure that training remains relevant in a changing society.

Internal and external consultation with key stakeholders such as Scottish Government, Skills for Health and Justice and Scottish Qualification Authority has been undertaken to ensure this framework delivers a competent and effective police officer.

Due to the nature of this role, the minimum age for apprentices signing up for this framework will be 18 years old however learners can apply at the age of 17 years and 6 months.

Police Scotland have a rigorous recruitment process in place that all candidates must consider before applying to join the force. More detail about the recruitment and selection process can be found in the framework document. Candidates must:

Be physically and mentally able to undertake police duties. The fitness assessment will be based on the Scottish Police Service National Fitness Standard. Have a Body Mass Index between 18 and 30 and meet the mandatory national eyesight standard (assessed at the medical stage at the very end of the selection process). Successful applicants come from every walk of life. However, individuals must be able to clearly demonstrate that they possess the wide range of personal qualities and attributes essential to become an officer with Police Scotland. If candidates meet the these criteria, a selection process will be applied on application, which includes: a Standard Entrance Test (SET), initial interview, vetting, assessment centre and fitness assessment.

Candidates with Specific Learning Difficulties

Police Scotland are committed to making the selection process and facilities as accessible as possible for all applicants and employees.

Appointment to role

On successful appointment into the role of Probationary Police Officer, recruits will complete an initial 12-week training programme at Scottish Police College, Tulliallan, Fife.

On successful completion of the Modern Apprenticeship, candidates will progress in to the role of Police Constable, a front line response officer who attends public calls, investigates volume crime or takes initial action at a crime scene. Can also work on community policing teams to target long-term problems.

There are whole variety of specialisms and opportunities that Police Constables can be involved in should they undertake further training after their probation period, these could include:

• Authorised Firearms Officer

• Roads Policing Officer

• Dog Handler 

The above list is by no means exhaustive however these are three of the most common progression routes taken.