Largest ever class of probationary officers finish training and join force
Police Scotland has welcomed its largest ever class of probationary officers.
Senior officers said that 222 recruits, who began training in September, took to the Parade Square at the Scottish Police College, Tulliallan, yesterday morning in the presence of Assistant Chief Constable Gillian Macdonald, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland, Derek Penman and Justice Secretary Michael Matheson.
Among the newly passed out officers are a number who took part in the Introduction to Policing course, which was developed earlier this year to encourage black and minority ethnic (BME) candidates to find out more about joining.
Mr Matheson said: “This year has seen a service that is increasingly reflective of a modern Scottish society with a strong proportion of female recruits and new officers from Pakistani, Indian, Polish and other non-scottish backgrounds taking up posts. The shape of the policing workforce is being adapted to meet future demands and the Policing 2026 strategy aims to ensure the right skills mix going forward. However, operational policing capacity is to be increased and officer numbers will remain well above 2007 levels. I would like to wish these new officers the very best of success for their new career and hope to see them active in keeping Scotland’s communities safe.”