Police Scotland probationers take oath of office

Image courtesy Police Scotland

The 124 new recruits made the Police Constable declaration at oath of office ceremonies across the country last Thursday (16th January 2025) and will be ready for operational deployment on 21st April 2025. Chief Constable Jo Farrell and members of Police Scotland’s Executive thanked the latest cadre of probationers for stepping forward to keep communities safe.

The Chief Constable addressed probationers at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan, while Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland spoke with the new recruits in Dundee.

ACC Steve Johnson addressed the new officers at Police Scotland’s training centre in Inverness, ACC Stuart Houston spoke with them in Aberdeen, ACC Catriona Paton met with the probationers at the training centre in Jackton and Head of Learning, Training and Development, Chief Superintendent Alan Gibson addressed the new officers at Fettes.

This latest intake is made up of 74 males (60%) and 50 females (40%) and brings the officer establishment to 16,614.

Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “I want to thank our new constables for their commitment to public service.

“In taking the oath of office, they have declared to faithfully discharge their duties with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality.

“When they deploy to our communities they must follow Police Scotland’s values of integrity, fairness, respect and a commitment to upholding human rights at all times.

“Policing is a job like no other – it is a way of life and a hugely rewarding vocation. Every officer and member of police staff has a role to play in delivering our vision of safer communities, less crime, and supported victims as part of a thriving workforce.”

Of the intake, 12 officers have military experience, one officer was previously a member of Police Scotland staff, one has previous service with another UK police organisation and 23 have additional language skills including Arabic, Italian, Hungarian, Lithuanian and Portuguese.

Recruitment events are happening now. For more information: www.scotland.police.uk/jobs