Are you made of the right stuff?
New recruitment drive Qualities ofofficers
FRASER WILSON
Police Scotland has launched a recruitment drive to increase the number of bobbies on the beat.
As well as frontline officers, they are looking for support staff and specialist positions.
And the force welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds and demographics.
A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “We are looking for people like you to join one of the biggest and best teams in Scotland.
“If you are an honest, hardworking individual who is enthusiastic, motivated and looking for true job satisfaction then you can find it working with us.
“You’ll receive first class training and be rewarded with an extraordinary job that is like no other.”
Working with Police Scotland comes with a generous package, including a starting salary of £26,000, 28 days holiday and access to a wide range of health, wellbeing and leisure benefits.
The spokesman added: “The role of a Police Scotland Officer really is a unique career path that demands the best.”
To be eligible to apply, Police Scotland “expect the very highest standards” from applicants, with a number of “essential criteria” that must be met to get past the first stage.
To find out more about working with Police Scotland, head to www. scotland.police.uk/recruitment
A nationwide campaign to recruit new special constables has been launched by Police Scotland.
The Special Constabulary is a part-time volunteer body consisting of officers with identical powers to that of police officers.
A diverse role, shifts can include being involved in the policing of football matches or assisting at road accidents; to patrolling the streets of your local community and investigating crime.
No two shifts are the same and volunteers play an integral role in providing an important link between the police service and the public.
Assistant Chief Constable John Hawkins said: “There are thousands of people living in Scotland who could bring the skills and talents from their own jobs into the role of a volunteer police officer and in support of their local community.
“Joining the Special Constabulary can also be a fantastic opportunity to consider whether policing is the job for you.
“It provides excellent experience and training for those who would like to become a full-time police officer.”
Following a steady decrease in the number of special constables since the formation of Police Scotland, with a significant number of recruits using the opportunity as a route to becoming a regular police officer, the campaign focuses on encouraging people to give back to their local community by signing up in their spare time and enhancing local policing with their life experience.
Assistant Chief Constable John Hawkins added: “Police Scotland undoubtedly benefits from the experience volunteers bring, but it’s also an opportunity unlike any other where you gain confidence, new skills and get the chance to help people in need or make their life better.
“Anyone is eligible to apply to become a special constable as long as they satisfy some basic requirements for the role but ultimately we are looking for people who want to make a real difference to their communities and can bring a fresh perspective to the team they work in. The more varied your background, the more diverse our workforce will be.
“Don’t miss the opportunity to do something great.”
As part of the recruitment drive, social media posts and campaign posters will feature on numerous channels including Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. These promote the role of a special constable and why their skills and talent could be crucial to local policing.
You can find out more about becoming a Special Constable by heading to www.scotland.police.uk/ recruitment/special-constables/
Successful applicants for frontline police come from every walk of life, but candidates must be able to clearly demonstrate a wide range of “personal qualities and attributes”.
Those include :
Ability to demonstrate a realistic appreciation of the role and duties;
Ability to demonstrate adequate knowledge of key areas such as the training programme, fitness and conduct standards;
Highest levels of personal integrity, honesty, conduct;Effective communication skills;
Strong community and customer focus;Personal effectiveness;
Emotional resilience; Problem solving skills; Respect and understanding of equality and diversity;
Effective team-working skills;
Proven level of physical fitness;
Strong desire for continual personal development ;
Ability to study, learn and pass ongoing academic assessment, particularly throughout the two year probationary period.