Police Officer Recruitment - How to Apply

We are not currently accepting new applications for Police Officers.

If you are still keen and want to apply, first of all get a pen and paper. Sit down and spend a few minutes writing out exactly why you want to apply and what it is that makes you right for the role.

Make sure you know what the role of the police officer is. Take time to find out. If you come along to an assessment day and cannot demonstrate to us that you understand the role then you will be wasting your time. Being a police officer is not something you should go into on a whim.

If you are not exactly sure what it is you would be expected to do as a police officer then find out, speak to at least one. If you don't know any officers then try a visit to your local police station or the nearest divisional headquarters. This is a chance to show initiative and demonstrate some problem solving skills. This may be the most important part of the process for you as it may stop you making a mistake and wasting your time, or it may help strengthen your resolve for the coming process.

Do not apply if it is just a job you want, being a police officer requires far more commitment, it is certainly no ordinary job.

The next stage is to read through all the information available, including the essential criteria, then if you are still keen to join you should download the Application Forms and Guidance Notes document. These forms should be printed then fully completed before being posted back to

Recruitment Team
Human Resource Services
Tayside Police
PO Box 59
West Bell Street
Dundee DD1 9JU

Please ensure you attach the correct postage to your envelope.

If you have difficulty downloading or opening the forms then you can either email recruitment@tayside.pnn.police.uk or telephone (01382) 596214/596215/596216.


Essential Requirements

• A British citizen or a member of the EC or other states in the E.E.A. A Commonwealth citizen or foreign national free of restrictions. You should also, either have been in the UK for a minimum of the past three years or have verifiable confirmation that you have no criminal convictions in any countries you have previously resided in that would exclude you from applying.
• At least 18 years of age on application.
• Able to satisfy health and eyesight standards as laid down by the Scottish Government.
• Have the educational ability to pass the Standard Entrance Tests.
• Full driving license on application.

Please note that the length of time the recruitment process takes is reliant upon the number of applications received and the turnover of staff within the Force, therefore the process may be longer than you would expect.


Why Equal Opportunities and Diversity are Important to Tayside Police

Often people use terms such as Equal Opportunities and Diversity in a manner to try and belittle the positive work that is done by Tayside Police to work more effectively in the communities of Tayside.

Tayside Police recognises that it is here to serve all the communities of Tayside and that having a Force that reflects this broad range of people allows us to perform our role more effectively. It is not about political correctness, it is about recognising that we have a duty to treat everyone fairly and there are also operational benefits that accrue from this.

Tayside Police wants the best people to join and in order to get the best we must be able to attract applicants from all walks of life. We therefore take all reasonable actions to ensure that both our staff and those who apply to join us are treated fairly and equitably. Our recruitment practices and processes are regularly reviewed to ensure they comply with best practice and the law, and we undertake measures to encourage applications from under-represented groups.

Police Officers are covered by the Disability Discrimination Act so applicants are assessed on their individual capability to meet the requirements of the role and not automatically excluded. Police Officers can also work part-time (with the exception of attending the training course run at the Scottish Police College).

There are a number of staff associations that Tayside Police recognise, including SEMPER, that support minority ethnic applicants and the Gay Police Association, and the Police Federation that can provide support to police officers. Tayside Police also has clear guidelines on dealing with any bullying or harassment, which will not be tolerated.

In short, Tayside Police understands that its staff are its most important asset and therefore takes appropriate measures to both recruit the best and retain them.

Please also note that "life experience" is not an essential requirement for the role and you should not be put off by people telling to get it first. You are entitled to join as soon as you are eighteen and as long as you have a full driving licence and meet all the essential criteria you could apply within three months of your eighteenth birthday. If you do apply and are not suitable then the Recruitment Team will tell you why, and it won't be because you have no "life experience"!