Working at Police Scotland

Police Scotland was formally established on 1 April 2013 and is responsible for policing across the length and breadth of Scotland, some 28,168 square miles. Police Scotland is the second largest force in the UK after the Metropolitan Police.

The Service is led by a Chief Constable and comprises police officers, police staff and special constables who are working together to deliver the best possible policing service for the people of Scotland. The Chief Constable is supported by a command team of Deputy Chief Constables, Assistant Chief Constables and Directors. Further information about the command team can be found in our Executive Team section

Police Scotland’s purpose is to improve the safety and wellbeing of people, places and communities in Scotland. Our focus is on Keeping People Safe which is at the heart of everything that we do.

There are 13 local policing divisions, each headed by a Local Police Commander who ensures that local policing in each area is responsive, accountable and tailored to meet local needs. Each division will encompass response officers, community officers, local crime investigation, road policing, public protection and local intelligence.

Alongside the local policing divisions, there are a number of national specialist divisions. The Specialist Crime Division (SCD) provides specialist investigative and intelligence functions such as Major Crime investigation, Public Protection, Organised Crime, Counter Terrorism, Intelligence and Safer Communities. These functions may not be required frequently but when a serious crime takes place, or public safety is under threat from criminals, the most professional response is available, regardless of where you live.

The Operational Support divisions provide specialist support functions such as Road Policing, Air Support, Dog Branch, Marine Policing and the Mounted Branch

Police Scotland’s priorities are outlined in our Annual Police Plan and ensure that we are delivering a service which is focused on Keeping People Safe.

The priorities in our Annual Police Plan are aligned to the strategic police priorities set by the Scottish Government and the strategic objectives outlined by the Scottish Police Authority in their three year plan. They are also informed by the local policing plans set at local authority and multi member ward levels.

To find out more about policing in your area, visit the Your Community section

The corporate interim headquarters of Police Scotland is based at Tulliallan in Fife which is also where the Scottish Police College is based, the training home of Police Scotland.

Police Scotland’s Forward Command Base is at Randolphfield in Stirling. This command base ensures the Police Scotland command team is able to oversee policing operations across the country. The Senior Leadership Team work from both sites.

Police Scotland took over responsibility for policing in Scotland from the eight former police forces, the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency and the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland.

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Police Staff

The Scottish Police Authority (SPA) is the legal employer of all police staff in Scotland.

Some police staff are employed in functions which sit as part of the SPA, such as Forensics, but the majority of police staff fall under the direction and control of the Chief Constable and work in departments which are part of Police Scotland.

With over 5500 police staff across Scotland, we employ all sorts of people in all sorts of jobs, and everything they do matters. A career with us means being part of an organisation with clear purpose, focus and values, where every individual contribution helps, keep people safe.

Our Purpose: To improve the safety and wellbeing of people, places and communities in Scotland.

Our Focus: Keeping People Safe

Our Values:Integrity, Fairness and Respect