Police in Highland and Islands Division to host Facebook chat on officer recruitment

27th January 2014

Police Scotland Highland and Islands Division is currently recruiting new Police Constables and Special Police Constables and are hosting a Facebook chat this week to answer any questions people have on the subject.

The chat event will take place virtually on the Police Scotland Highland and Islands Divisonal Facebook page on Thursday 30 January 2014 between 18:00 and 20:00 hours to discuss the topic of Police Officer recruitment with Chief Superintendent Julian Innes.

See the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/northern.constabulary

The initial application process is straight forward. Simply fill in a form and await the outcome. There is a great deal of information and advice on the whole process on the Police Scotland website - http://www.scotland.police.uk/recruitment/

If selected, newly recruited officers will complete twelve weeks training at the Scottish Police College in Tulliallan near Stirling and thereafter recruits are posted to local police offices, where they will serve a probationary period of two years.

The starting salary is £23,493 rising to £26,223 after completing 31 weeks of the initial training. The salary then rises again to £27,747 on completion of two years service when officers are confirmed.

Highland and Islands Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Julian Innes said: "I am delighted to be hosting this interactive event to help future officers with queries they have about their application or the profession.

"Serving communities in the Highlands and Islands has been a real privilege for me over the last 27 years of my career. There is now an opportunity for local people to join Police Scotland and serve within the Highlands and Islands. The standard application asks which part of Scotland you are currently residing in. Specify the Highlands and Islands and this will readily identify your preference to serve locally within this area.

"If you are unable to participate in the online event, you can have a chat with a local officer in your area by visiting your local Police Station. Our local officers will be able to tell you what it is like to serve in the Highlands and Islands and give general information about policing as a career.

"Policing is not just a varied and worthwhile career for you but a fantastic opportunity to help be a part of keeping your community safe.”