POLICE Scotland’s Initial Training course 4/22 which consisted of 187 offices concluded with a passing out parade at the Scottish Police College in Tulliallan last month in front of the officers’ family and loved ones.
And eight of the graduating officers are destined to serve in the Lothians and Scottish Borders.
During their initial 12-week course, the probationers are given training in legislation, officer safety, SPELS and physical education.
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The officers were then assessed by way of formal examinations and practical exercises followed by a written exam.
Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone QPM thanked the officers for their willingness to commit to public service and underlined the standards and values of Police Scotland as they start the next phase of their careers.
And nearly 200 new constables joined Police Scotland on Thursday, June, 2023 1 as its newest recruits were sworn into office.
That course is comprised of 133 males (70 per cent) and 58 females (30 per cent), with the youngest probationer being 18 years old, while the oldest is 51 years old. Six per cent of the probationers (12 officers) identify as minority ethnic.
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Of the new recruits, seven were previously members of police staff with Police Scotland, five previously served as special constables, and nine probationary constables have previously served in the military. Three officers who are transferees to Police Scotland from other police services were also sworn in today.
Languages spoken fluently by recruits include Italian, Urdu, Polish, Thai, and Croatian, with a number of officers conversationally proficient in Spanish, French, Italian and Gaelic.
The probationary constables swore their oath of office under the instruction of Justice of the Peace, Rod Wallace.
The chief constable said: “On what is a hugely significant day for our newest officers, I’m immensely grateful to all those who step forward, and step up, to commit to the responsibilities and duties of a police officer serving our communities.
“My thanks go to their families as well, for supporting and encouraging our new recruits in their career choice.
“Policing is a demanding vocation, but it is highly rewarding, and will see our officers provide crucial service across Scotland.”
“I ask all our officers, and especially our newest constables, to treat people as they would wish their own families to be treated. I ask them to have the highest of standards and to always have our values of integrity, fairness and respect, and a commitment to uphold human rights at the heart of all they do, every single day.”
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