What We're Looking For
You don't need a particular qualification to become a police officer. But that doesn't mean this is a job everyone can do.
Our people come from every walk of life but they all have the special blend of abilities and qualities it takes to become a Strathclyde Police officer.
Let's look at the straightforward things first. You must
- Be at least 18 years old (there is no upper age limit for joining)
- Have leave to enter or remain in the UK for an indefinite period
- Be physically fit
- Have good eyesight
- Have a full, current UK driving licence
Residency Criteria
Applicants must be a British citizen, a member of the EU or other states in the EEA, a Commonwealth citizen or a foreign national free of restrictions. You should also have been resident in the UK for a minimum of three years immediately prior to application. In certain circumstances, it is possible for the minimum residency period for vetting to be waived. This can only be done where it is possible to make, or confirm, in the relevant jurisdictions with local Law Enforcement and National Security bodies, which are equivalent, and of a similar standard, to enquires which would be made in the UK, on both the applicant and all family members and associates. In cases where it is not possible to makes the equivalent checks, the residency criterion will be stringently enforced.
But really, it's all about the personal qualities you'll offer. We need people who are
- Honest, mature and socially aware
- Assertive
- Effective communicators
- Sympathetic and tactful
- Team players and initiative-led
- Decisive with sound judgement
- Happy to study and learn
- Flexible
- Disciplined
- Willing to train physically
- Prepared to handle a level of personal danger
When you're thinking about all this, never underestimate yourself - you're probably capable of so much more than you think. But remember - if you've already applied to become an officer with any other UK Force - including Strathclyde Police - you would usually have to wait at least 12 months before applying again. Contact the Recruiting Department for further information.
Standards
Do you appreciate that being a member of Strathclyde Police, and indeed the Scottish police service, is different from any other job you may have had? It makes you more accountable in life, as people expect higher standards of behaviour from you at all times. So ask yourself:
- Can you treat everyone with respect while displaying fairness and equality?
- Can you act with resolve, tolerance and restraint - even in the most demanding of situations?
- Can you accept responsibility for your own actions?
- Can you behave in a professional, honest and trustworthy manner on and off duty, knowing that failure to do so means you risk losing your job?
- Do you appreciate that losing your job could have a devastating effect not only on you, but also on your family, relationships and your way of life?
- Do you understand that the misuse of drugs is illegal and is not acceptable behaviour on or off duty?
- Do you understand that you cannot in any way or at any time misuse your position as a member of the police service?
- Can you display sound judgement in your friendships, associations and relationships?
- Can you capably maintain your finances and other obligations in order to prevent susceptibility to corruption or compromise?
- Have you declared all road traffic and criminal convictions?
- Are you aware that police resources and information can only be used for policing purposes?
- Can you maintain confidentiality in relation to all private information you will be privy to?
Joining the police service is not just a job - it is a way of life. If you are in any doubt about your answers to these questions, please reconsider. However, if you answered yes to ALL of the above, then you may have a future with Strathclyde Police.