Police Scotland welcomes new probationary constables
Scotland’s newest police officers have taken the oath of office at a ceremony at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan today (Wednesday, 20 September, 2023).
Deputy Chief Constable Designate Fiona Taylor QPM thanked nearly 200 probationary constables for their commitment to public service.
The recruits made the Police Constable declaration to faithfully discharge their duties with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality, and promised to uphold fundamental human rights under the authority of Justice of the Peace John Whyte.
DCC Designate Taylor said: “By joining Police Scotland, these constables are demonstrating a strong and shared commitment to improve the safety and wellbeing of the people, places and communities we serve.
“I ask our new officers, as their status changes from civilian to constable, to be mindful of the privilege, powers and responsibility they now bear. We expect high standards, as do the public. I ask our probationers to be professional and courteous, and uphold our values at all times.
“Policing is truly a job like no other, it’s a way of life, and I know they will be challenged. At the same time, making a positive difference for communities and keeping people safe is an incredibly rewarding vocation.”
The intake, made up of 74 per cent male recruits (totalling 146 officers) and 26 per cent female recruits (numbering 51 officers), ranges in age from 18 to 52.
Of the intake, eight per cent identified as being from a minority ethnic group, totalling 15 officers, and languages spoken fluently by recruits include Hungarian, Polish, French and Hindi, with probationers having other language skills in Afrikaans, Spanish, American Sign Language, German, Portuguese, Swedish and Italian.
Six of the recruits were previously serving Special Constables with Police Scotland, four were members of police staff, and 25 of the new constables have previous military service.
The officers undertake a 12-week initial training module before joining colleagues serving communities across Scotland during their two-year probationary period.
For more information about a career in policing, visit the Recruitment section of our website - https://www.scotland.police.uk/recruitment/police-officer-recruitment 
