Probationary constables take Police Scotland oath of office
Nearly 200 new constables joined Police Scotland today (Thursday, 1 June, 2023) as its newest recruits were sworn into office.
Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone QPM offered a personal welcome and thanks to those beginning their initial training at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan.
At Sir Iain’s final oath of office event before his retirement in August, the probationary constables swore their oath of office under the instruction of Justice of the Peace, Rod Wallace.
Sir Iain said: “On what is a hugely significant day for our newest officers, I’m immensely grateful to all those who step forward, and step up, to commit to the responsibilities and duties of a police officer serving our communities. My thanks go to their families as well, for supporting and encouraging our new recruits in their career choice.
“Policing is a demanding vocation, but it is highly rewarding, and will see our officers provide crucial service across Scotland.
“I ask all our officers, and especially our newest constables, to treat people as they would wish their own families to be treated. I ask them to have the highest of standards and to always have our values of integrity, fairness and respect, and a commitment to uphold human rights at the heart of all they do, every single day.”
The current course is comprised of 133 males (70 per cent) and 58 females (30 per cent), with the youngest probationer being 18 years old, while the oldest is 51 years old. Six per cent of the probationers (12 officers) identify as minority ethnic.
Of the new recruits, seven were previously members of police staff with Police Scotland, five previously served as special constables, and nine probationary constables have previously served in the military. Three officers who are transferees to Police Scotland from other police services were also sworn in today.
Languages spoken fluently by recruits include Italian, Urdu, Polish, Thai, and Croatian, with a number of officers conversationally proficient in Spanish, French, Italian and Gaelic.
Applications to become a Police Scotland officer can be submitted at any time. There is no upper age limit for potential recruits, who must have a good level of fitness and be at least 17.5 years old at the time of applying. More information can be found on our website recruitment section.
