There are a number of selection criteria individuals need to be aware of in relation to becoming a Police Officer and these are detailed in Police Entrance Criteria.
Our selection procedure begins with our Familiarisation Evening where you’ll find out more about Central Scotland Police and our selection process.
All stages of our selection procedure take place at Police Headquarters, Randolphfield, Stirling.
All applicants are required to complete the Scottish Police Service national Application Form.
All forms should be returned to the:
Recruiting Department
Human Resources Department
Area Command Headquarters
West Bridge Street
Falkirk
FK1 5AP
Central Scotland Police values diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the Community. Could you please advise if you have any specific requirements in relation to your application by contacting us either at the above address or e mail/telephone details noted below. As well as having the double tick symbol awarded in relation to Disability, the Force is also an active member of Stonewall.
Should you require any further information or assistance with any aspect of your application then please email recruiting@centralscotland.police.uk or call the Human Resources Department on 01786 456355/456358.
Central Scotland Police is committed to the maintenance and development of a culture where integrity and ethical standards are given the highest priority. Our ability to function effectively relies on the implicit trust of the public and their belief that we can carry out our duties in a fair and impartial manner.
For further information, please read our Code of Ethical Practice.
Stages of Selection Procedure
- Familiarisation Evening
- Police Standard Entrance Test
- Assessment Centre
- Panel Interview
- Medical Examination
- Fitness Test
Familiarisation Evening
Familiarisation Evenings give you the facts about how we recruit our new officers, probationary training and career development. You will hear from officers serving with Central and get a better idea of what the job’s all about. The evening concludes with a question and answer session. Familiarisation Evenings are a useful – and compulsory – stage in our recruitment process.
Police Standard Entrance Test
The Police Standard Entrance Test is common to all Police Forces in Scotland and consists of three test papers on:
- Language
- Number
- Information Handling
Specimen test papers are available for download.
Candidates are allowed three attempts at the Standard Entrance Test, and must pass all three papers to progress to the next stage of the selection process.
| Language (40) | Must score 30 or more |
| Number (20) | Must score 13 or more |
| Information Handling (24) | Must score 16 or more |
Assessment Centre
Competencies and Performance Criteria
The Assessment Centre is a tried and tested method of our selection procedure. The Centre is based on objectivity and each exercise is looked at on this basis.
The main areas examined during the Assessment Centre are:
- Communication Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
- Problem Solving, Planning and Decision-Making Abilities
- Flexibility and Creative Thinking
- Drive and Determination
- Ability to Represent Central Scotland Police
If you are successful at Assessment Centre, you will move on to Panel Interview. Candidates unsuccessful at Assessment Centre receive verbal feedback on their overall performance: constructive criticism outlining shortcomings identified in any Assessment Centre exercises. This has proved invaluable to a many previous candidates.
Panel Interview
Panel Interviews are objective, and based on the same core skills looked at during the Assessment Centre. Whilst a good knowledge of Central Scotland Police is essential, the interview will be focused on you and your attitudes.
The interview will last approximately 40 minutes and is conducted by trained assessors or interviewers who range in rank from Sergeant through to Superintendent.
Medical Examination
If successful at Panel Interview you’ll be invited to attend a Medical Examination with our Health and Wellbeing Department.
Fitness Test
National Fitness Standard for the Scottish Police Service
Your physical fitness and overall good health is vital to our Force. The new National Fitness Standard links into the fitness regime used by the Scottish Police College during both Initial Training and Reconvention probationary courses.
Further information is available on the ACPOS site.
Once appointed as a probationary officer, you will be expected to keep your fitness at the required levels throughout your probationary period. The attached guide details the standard requirements, which comprises two elements: strength and cardiovascular.
Candidates and probationary constables carry out the push/pull standard for data gathering purposes only.
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