Transferees FAQs

Q. What are the eligibility criteria for applying to transfer to Police Scotland?

You must be a serving officer from a “Home Office” governed Police Force and have completed 3 years continuous service. If you are member of non Home Office Forces such as the Ministry or Defence Police or Civil Nuclear Constabulary you cannot apply to transfer.

Q. Can I include additional period of service from the Special Constabulary or Police Custody Support Officer (PCSO) roles to reach the 3 year service bracket?

No. The qualifying service must be 3 years continuous as a Police Constable.

Q. Are there any circumstances whereby I can apply for a transfer when I have less than 3 years service?

The Recruiting Department may consider exceptional circumstances and these should be directed by e-mail to Recruitmenttransferee@scotland.police.uk at the Recruiting Team for consideration.

Q. If successful in the selection process, am I guaranteed to be posted to my first choice location?

All applicants are requested to submit a preference form on application indicating the three divisions that they would consider for posting. First choices cannot be guaranteed as the allocation of officers is carried out on a demand led basis. 

The recruiting department will take cognisance of the needs of transferring officers in relation to re-locating and provide assistance where required.

Q. Can I carry forward policing specialist training such as Public Order, Firearms etc?

Yes, Police Scotland recognises National policing qualifications and if you include these on your application (including dates) these will be added to your unique personnel record. 

It will be a requirement for you to attend or refresher or conversion training but this will be tailored to suit your level/experience.

Q. If I am successful in the selection process for transferring to Police Scotland will I remain on my current pay scale and qualify for Housing Allowance?

If you are successful you will be placed on the PNB pay scale commensurate with your service bracket. This will be in line with other Police Scotland Officers. 

If you are in receipt of Housing Allowance, this will be paid at the standard rate 

Q. If I have completed promotion examinations in NPPF or OSPRE will these be transferable to Police Scotland?

Any qualifications can be transferred and will be included on file to allow you to apply for promotion to the rank this entitles you to. As there are different levels it is important that you provide evidence of your qualification on your application form. 

Q. If I am a serving Detective Officer, or member of a Specialist Department in my home force, can I transfer to Police Scotland and be retained in CID or apply for a specialist department role? Or, am I required to return to Uniform duties in all cases?

Posting to specialist roles cannot be guaranteed and it is likely that you will be expected to spend some time in uniform to adapt to the changes in legislation and policing procedures. 

Applications should not be made on the premise that you will remain in a specialist post on transfer. Once you are appointed to Police Scotland you can apply for specialist roles which are advertised on the Force Intranet.

Q. Can I apply to transfer on promotion to Police Scotland or how do I continue my career development?

Police Scotland normally only accepts transferee applications at level transfer.  On arrival all officers can enter the Police Scotland National Promotion Process using existing NPPF or OSPRE qualification or alternatively apply for our Diploma in Police Leadership and Management which affords access.

Q. How long is the training that I would be expected to undertake and where would this be based?

Transferee officers now receive their training locally at divisions. The duration of this training is based on the arrangements put in place at the division you are posted to and differ according to rank. Generally speaking training will involve local induction and mentoring by a local officer. 

Q. Can you transfer from MOD or CNC?

A. No. Officers serving with the Ministry of Defence or another non Home Office service such as Royal Parks, Civil Nuclear Constabulary, Ports of Dover, Liverpool and Bristol which are not classed as police services under the Police Act 1996 are not eligible to transfer. The same applies to the Isle of Man and the Isles of Guernsey and Jersey.

Q. What is the minimum length of service needed in another police service?

A. Three years, which must be continuous, with no career breaks.

Q. Are Police Scotland recruiting directly into specialisms e.g. ARV or CID?

A. Yes. However, candidates must still pass all of the eligibility criteria, vetting, medical, references, convincing us that they have a genuine reason for applying to Police Scotland, and have no outstanding PSD files. There must also be current opportunities in the departments where they are seeking to work.

Q. Can a couple transfer together and will their applications be treated as one?

A. No. Each applicant will be progressed on their own application. Whilst personal circumstances are taken in to account, there remains the possibility that one could be successful and the other unsuccessful.

Q. Will Police Scotland except applications if the applicant has ongoing professional standard investigations?

A. Individuals can still apply whilst an investigation is ongoing, but they will not progress until it is resolved and the outcome is reviewed.

Q. Can we chat about our personal circumstances with someone?

A. Whilst the transferee process is more ’hands on’ than the regular recruitment process, we cannot provide guidance regarding areas to live, best schools, how much to buy a house for etc. Each candidate must conduct their own research prior to applying as a transferee.

Full consideration must be given to all aspects of moving to another police service in another country. Applicants should be able to evidence this within their application, along with their motives for the move.