Police Constables

A job in Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary involves working with the community, making a difference to peoples lives by providing a professional service, which is fast paced, dynamic involving shift work and serving anywhere within this force.

Is this a career for you? If the answer is yes then let us know by applying to us. To do so, email, telephone or write to us for an application today!

Learning and Development
Police Headquarters
Cornwall Mount
Dumfries
DG1 1PZ
Telephone: 0845 600 5701
Email Us

You must be over 18 years old and be: a British citizen, a member of the EU or other states in the EEA, a Commonwealth citizen or a foreign national free of restriction. You should also have been resident in the UK for a minimum of three years immediately prior to application. In certain circumstances, it is possible for the minimum residency period for vetting to be waived. This can only be done where it is possible to make, or confirm, checks in the relevant jurisdictions with local Law Enforcement and National Security bodies, which are equivalent, and of similar standard, to enquiries which would be made in the UK, on both the applicant and all family members and associates. In cases where it is not possible to make the equivalent checks, the residency criterion will be stringently enforced.

What's Involved in Joining

Having submitted your application form to us you will be invited to sit the Standard Entrance Test, which is divided into number, language and information handling. You must pass all three parts, however three attempts are allowed at passing these tests.

If you are worried about passing this test you should look at the Police Practice Papers website, where further practice papers are available alongside tips and advice on passing these tests.

Candidates who are successful in passing these tests will then undertake an assessment day. The assessment day includes of group discussions, assessment exercises, a panel interview and a five minute presentation.

Following successful completion of the assessment day, you will then be asked to return for a senior officers interview.

On you passing the senior officers interview you will then be asked to return for a fitness test.

A full medical examination is then carried out by the police surgeon at Police Headquarters in Dumfries.

After the medical, vetting procedure will take place through both police and public sources and you should be aware that ‘The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975’ provides that the Act shall not apply to the police service and therefore spent convictions must be revealed by the perspective candidate during the recruitment and vetting process.

Please be aware that with effect from 1st September 2009 it is a condition of employment that all successful candidates must undergo a substance misuse test prior to an offer of employment being confirmed.

Probationery Period

On being recruited, your first years will be spent completing a probationary period. During this time you will undergo an intensive and demanding training programme. The training is designed to equip you with all the necessary skills and attributes which will prepare you for your future career.

The probationer training programme consists of a number of distinct stages:

• One week induction course at Force Training Centre.
• Thirteen weeks residential course at Scottish Police College, Tulliallan. (Initial Training)
• One week local procedure course at Force Training Centre.
• Three week driving course at Force Training Centre.
• Twelve weeks operational patrol phase under the guidance of a Tutor Constable.
• Three individual one-week training courses at Force Training Centre.
• One-week pre-reconvention course at Force Training Centre.
• Two day residential course at Scottish Police College, Tulliallan. (Reconvention)
• Confirmation at completion of two years service.

On successfully completing your probationary period you will be confirmed in the office of constable.

With the exception of footwear all uniform and equipment is provided.

On appointment, with effect from September 2009, the salary will be £22,680 rising to £25,317 after completion of your probationary period. As a police officer you will be required to serve anywhere within the Dumfries and Galloway area.