Police Constables

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

About the force

Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary has a force establishment of approximately 514 Police Officers, 262 Police Staff and 128 Special Constables. (Figures correct September 2011)

The total land area covered by the force is approximately 1,574,070 acres, with a population of 187,000.

Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary is made up of two Divisions. The Divisions are Dumfries Division and Galloway Division. The two divisions are headed by an Operational Commander (presently a Chief Superintendent).

Dumfries Division covers Annandale and Eskdale and Nithsdale while Galloway Division covers Stewartry and Wigtown. A Superintendent is in charge of each division.

Crime Management Services is headed by a Detective Superintendent. They are responsible for the investigation of crime and several other departments such as Drugs Squad, Family Protection Unit, Fraud and Financial Investigation Unit and Scenes of Crime and Intelligence. They are also responsible for policing at the Ports Unit and for Special Branch related matters.

Corporate Services is headed by a Superintendent who is responsible for Personnel and Training, Firearms and Explosives Licensing, Finance and General Administration which includes Reports Bureau and Case Management, Performance Management, Media and Information Services, Data Protection and Health and Safety.

The Force Headquarters is based at Cornwall Mount, Dumfries where most of the Recruitment and Training events take place.

Although Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary is numerically the smallest force in mainland Britain, the duties carried out are proportionate and its responsibilities equal to those forces in more populous areas. Our officers ensure that by maintaining a high level of operational efficiency and a close, harmonious relationship with the public they serve, they provide a service of which they may be justifiably proud.

The Recruitment Process

The Recruitment Process is challenging click on the various stages below for further information.

Do you meet the requirements

Age

We can process applications from candidates aged 17½ years or over. The minimum age for the appointment of successful applicants is 18 years. There is no upper age limit.

Education

There are no minimum qualifications required, but all applicants must pass the Scottish Police Standard Entrance Test.

Nationality

Applicants must be a British Citizen, a member of the EU or other states in the EAA, a Commonwealth Citizen or a foreign national free of restrictions. 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 the family members and associates. In cases where it is not possible to make the equivalent checks, the residence criteria will be stringently enforced.

Eyesight

Applicants must have a minimum standard of unaided vision of not less than 6/36. Corrected Distance Acuity must be 6/6 or better binocularly and 6/12 in either eye. Corrected Near Acuity must be 6/9 or better binocularly. Most colour vision defects are acceptable. Applicants who have undergone laser corrective treatment may apply, but will not proceed to final stage until at least six weeks post procedure and on receipt of a report from the operating consultant, and no further follow up appointments are required.

Driving Licence

All applicants should have a full UK driving licence prior to applying.

Prior to submitting your application, you should consider your answer to the following questions.

Throughout your application and the recruitment process you will be required to demonstrate strong potential in these key areas.

• Can you communicate effectively with people?
• Are you physically fit?
• Are you willing to tackle work that is demanding?
• Can you cope under pressure?
• Are you willing to accept and learn from constructive criticism?
• Are you a team player?
• Are you considerate of the views and feelings of other people?
• Are you willing to be located anywhere within the Dumfries and Galloway area?
• Are you tactful and diplomatic?
• Are you willing to use your initiative?
• Are you prepared to get involved in incidents where there may be elements of potential danger?
• Can you be assertive in trying circumstances?
• Can you operate in a disciplined environment?
• Are you willing to accept direction?
• Are you prepared to make decisions and stand by them?

If you are experiencing difficulties in any of these areas please do not hesitate to contact a member of Learning and Development who can offer you advice or assistance.

Preparation is the key to your successful application – “failing to prepare is preparing to fail”.

Duties of a Police Constable

There is no way to predict a typical day as a Constable within our force – that's why it's a great job. You will uphold the law by enforcement and education, prevent crime and detect offenders, preserve life and protect property and attend court to give evidence.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Working in partnership with communities
• Ensuring that the Strategic Aims of the Force are pursued
• Maintaining law and order when patrolling
• Attending calls to assist the public
• Investigating crimes and incidents fairly, objectively and in a timely manner
• Detaining or arresting offenders and being responsible for their safe custody
• Conducting suspect and witness interviews and noting statements
• Taking appropriate action at accidents and incidents
• Executing warrants
• Taking direction on specific duties from senior colleagues
• Submitting written reports to the Procurator Fiscal and other agencies
• Submitting internal crime reports and criminal intelligence reports
• Investigating and taking action on criminal information received from members of the public
• Providing crime prevention advice where necessary
• Enforcing road traffic legislation and issuing fixed penalties for relevant offences
• Dealing with lost or found property
• Liaising with internal departments and external agencies
• Making use of the multi-agency problem solving approach to policing
• Visiting and inspecting licensed premises and undertaking licensing enquiries
• Delivering death and hospital messages
• Carrying out occasional duties as a custody officer or office clerk
• Acting as prisoner escort for prisoners classified as high risk
• Keeping the peace at public meetings, events, processions, disputes and demonstrations
• Being deployed and following instruction at scenes of major crime or civil emergency
• Giving evidence in criminal and civil courts in accordance with the laws of evidence
• Keeping abreast of changes in legislation by reference to circulars and Force Orders
• Keeping informed of changes to working practices within the Force

In doing so you will provide a quality service to all members of the public.

Probationer Training

On being recruited, your first two 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 national probationer training programme has been revised and now consists of a five moduler approach:

• Three day induction course at Force Training Centre. (Module 1)
• Ten weeks residential course at Scottish Police College, Tulliallan. (Module 2)
• Fifteen weeks operational phase. This entails a one week local procedure course and a three week driving course at Force Training Centre and in addition an Operational patrol phase under the guidance of a Tutor Constable. (Module 3)
• Three weeks residential course at Scottish Police College, Tulliallan. (Module 4)
• The remainder of your probation will consist of a further operational phase and further training including Open Distance Learning Packages, which are examable and three individual one-week training courses at Force Training Centre. (Module 5)
• Confirmation at successful 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 2010, the salary will be £23,259 rising to £25,962 after completion of your probationary period.

As a police officer you will be required to serve anywhere within the Dumfries and Galloway area.

FAQ's