Police Officers FAQ
Q. Are you currently recruiting?
A. Strathclyde Police operates a continuous recruiting process.
Q. How many police officers are the Force recruiting?
A. The Force will recruit in excess of 800 police officers within this financial year.
Q. Do I need to have a full driving licence to apply?
A. Yes. At present you must hold a full manual driving licence to apply to become a police constable.
Q. If unsuccessful, how long do I need to wait between applications?
A. You must wait a full year between subsequent applications unless otherwise directed.
Q. How many times can I sit the Standard Entrance Test?
A. You are allowed three attempts to sit and pass the test. If you fail at the third attempt, then you are excluded from applying again.
Q. Why am I only allowed three attempts at the exam?
A. The Scottish Government sets the exam. There are currently only three separate papers in use.
Q. How many interviews do I have to undergo?
A. There are two - an initial and then a final interview. You must pass one before moving onto the other.
Q. I have an ongoing application to another force. Can I still apply?
A. No. If you're unsuccessful with the other force, then you must wait a full year before applying to Strathclyde.
Q. I wear glasses or contact lenses. Can I still apply?
A. Yes. You will need to have a visual accuracy form completed by an optician to ensure your eyesight is within the required limits. A copy of the form is available in the Resources section. This should be submitted with your application form.
Q. Do you have a minicom number for people with speech or hearing impairments?
A. Yes. Our number is 01355 566515. To use this service you will need a minicom text phone.
Q. If I have had eye laser surgery can I still apply?
A. Some forms of laser surgery are acceptable. Full details can be found at www.policecouldyou.co.uk or by calling the Recruitment Department.
Q. Is there any height restriction to join the police?
A. No.
Q. Should I disclose any previous convictions or any involvement I have had with the police, which includes things like speeding tickets?
A. Yes. Failure to disclose this information means your application will almost certainly be rejected as this would be viewed as an integrity issue.
Q. What type of previous convictions will affect my application?
A. The individual circumstances of each application are considered. All convictions, including conditional offers and parking tickets, must be disclosed.
Q. If somebody in my family has previous convictions, will that affect my application?
A. Each set of circumstances will be looked at on an individual basis.
Q. I am at university completing a degree. Can I apply for the Accelerated Careers Development Programme?
A. To apply, you must have completed a degree in any discipline in addition to meeting all of the standard entrance requirements for the police force. You can apply for ACDP with your initial application, during your probation or in-service.
Q. I am Hindu. Can I continue to wear my bindi dot?
A. Yes.
Q. I am a Muslim woman. Can I continue to wear my hijab?
A Yes.
Q. Can I wear a turban?
A. Yes.
Q. I am a Sikh and have a long beard. Would I have to shave it off?
A. No. Provided your beard is rolled up and contained within a beard net, there is no need to shave it off.
Q. I have a medical condition. Can I still apply?
A. Yes. All applicants are assessed according to their individual circumstances and with regard to the relevant disability discrimination legislation.
Q. Do I need Standard Grades to apply for the police?
A. No. There are no minimum education requirements. However, you will need to be able to pass the Standard Entrance Test, which consists of language, numeracy and information handling papers.
Q. Where can I get a sample of the test paper?
A. You can download a test paper from the Selection Process for Police Officers page of this website.
Q. What age do I need to be to apply to the police?
A. You can apply at 17 1/2 but you won't be appointed until you are 18.
Q. Is there an upper age limit for joining the police force?
A. There is no upper age limit for appointment.
Q. I work for an English force. Can I apply to transfer to Strathclyde Police?
A. Serving officers with a Home Office approved force within the UK or certified overseas police force can apply for transfer. Each application for transfer is considered on its own merit.
Q. How long does the recruiting process take?
A. It would normally take at least six months but it can be longer as it will very much depend upon the number of officers that we are recruiting at any particular time.
Q. If I'm in the armed forces, when can I submit an application to the police?
A. You must be within six months of discharge before we will accept an application, however a degree of flexibility will be given in individual circumstances. Contact recruiting to discuss your own position.