Transferees
We are open for Transferee Constables nationally.
We also have vacancies for Transferee Superintendents throughout local policing and in detective roles.
Click here to see our transferee vacancies
We are not open for any other ranks. If you register for an account with us you can sign up for job alerts and be notified when we post new vacancies.
A summary of the selection process for Transferees is below
Police Scotland accepts transferees from all substantive ranks and we will advertise on our application centre when we have opportunities available. A transferee’s suitability will be assessed based on our own organisational requirements. We will consider vacancies in areas you wish to transfer to, your experience and your skills and specialisms.
If you're a serving officer in a recognised Home Office Police Force in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, or the British Transport Police, you can be considered to transfer to Police Scotland. You must have a minimum of three years’ service and be free from any outstanding complaints.
Police Scotland do not currently have a direct entry scheme for any ranks. Those who are interested in transferring to Police Scotland, having joined their home force on a Direct Entry Detective Pathway, are not eligible to apply.
Officers serving with the Ministry of Defence or another non Home Office Force such as Royal Parks, Civil Nuclear Constabulary, Ports of Dover, Liverpool and Bristol which are not classed as police forces under the Police Act 1996 are not eligible to transfer.
In this instance, you'll be treated as a new candidate and, if appointed, undergo full foundation training and probation.
On the basis of continued organisational change including the ongoing review of all HR processes training requirements may be subject to amendment due to Covid-19. We reserve the right to amend the current recruitment process over the coming months.
In general, the selection process can be broken up into the following stages, each of which is designed to test your aptitude, character, and physical suitability for the role.
We would encourage you to inform us of any adjustment that you may need during the recruitment process which will allow us to support your recruitment journey.
Application Form
The application form is based on the competency and values framework ( CVF) You will be expected to evidence your values and evidence of the competencies from your policing career. Your application will be sifted to the same high standards expected for any applicant to this organisation.
Background checks and approval
If successful we will undertake background checks which includes reference checks with your current force. Checks will then be undertaken which includes your local Professional Standards Department and Vetting.
Interview
You will be invited to attend a competency based interview. This will be based on the competency and values framework. More information and guidance in relation to this is available on the application centre when you have registered or by clicking here
This interview will give you the opportunity to evidence the values and the skills and experience you have as a serving officer.
- We analyse critically
- We are collaborative
- We deliver support and inspire.
- We are emotionally aware
- We take ownership
- We are innovative and open minded
Assessments for transfers at rank
For transfers to specialist roles and to senior ranks you will typically undertake the Police Scotland national promotion assessments. Further details will be shared if successful through the initial application stage.
Fitness Assessment
If you want to transfer to Police Scotland as a police officer you must be fit and healthy.
At your fitness assessment we expect you to be at the peak of your physical fitness, having prepared in advance of your application.
More people fail the fitness test compared with any other stage in the recruiting process. If you want to apply, we suggest you start your fitness preparation immediately.
The Fitness assessment aims to assess whether you are fit for the job and are ready for Officer Safety Training, where you learn to protect yourself and others.
You will be undertaking a Multi-stage fitness test ( bleep test)
The test involves running up and down (a shuttle run) on a 15-metre track. It is timed against a series of audio beeps and the participant must 'beat the bleep' and complete the shuttle before they hear the sound.
At the end of each level, the time between beeps gets shorter, meaning the participant has to run faster.
The standard needed for a police officer applicant is level 5.4 which means running at least in time with the bleeps for four shuttles at level 5.
Joining Police Scotland is a highly competitive recruitment journey so candidates require to give the very best account of themselves to progress further.
Copstrong - Copstrong is the Police Scotland functional strength and conditioning programme.
It is designed to be used by officers and staff to obtain and maintain operational fitness in order to reduce the chance of injury and improve work performance.
The content has been written and developed by the Physical Education Department at the Scottish Police College in collaboration with the UK Strength and Conditioning Association. To access the programme please click here
Final Stages
You will be required to attend an appointment with our Health Provider to confirm you are fit and healthy and meet the standards required of an operational police officer. This includes the eyesight test and BMI check.
Candidates will also be subject to a Substance Misuse Test at this stage.
Once you have completed all stages of the recruitment process you will receive an offer of employment. It is at this point that we will work with you to finalise your transfer date.
Training
Officers transferring from forces outside Scotland will undergo a 3 week training course at the Scottish Police College and locally. You will not be required to serve a period of probation.
Posting
Initially, you will undertake operational policing duties at a territorial division. The division you will be posted to will be based on the divisional preference chosen by you on your posting preference form. If you are applying for our rural vacancy you will be asked if there is any specific location that you are interested in and we will take this into consideration.
Pay and Allowances
When you transfer you will be paid at the equivalent rate of an officer serving in Police Scotland in respect of your length of service. If you received a housing allowance prior to August 1994, this will continue.
