The Police (Scotland) Regulations 2004

Qualifications for appointment to a police force

9.—(1) A candidate for appointment to a police force–

(a)must, if not a national of an EEA State(1) have leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom for an indefinite period;

(b)must produce satisfactory references as to character, and, if that candidate has served in any police force, in the armed forces, in the civil service or as a seaman, produce satisfactory proof of good conduct while so serving;

(c)must have attained the age of 18 years 6 months;

(d)must be certified by a registered medical practitioner approved by the police authority to be fitted both physically and mentally to perform the duties on which that candidate will be employed after appointment;

(e)must meet the standard of eyesight determined by the Scottish Ministers;

(f)must, if a candidate for appointment in the rank of constable, satisfy the chief constable that that candidate is sufficiently educated, including being sufficiently competent in written and spoken English and sufficiently numerate, by passing an examination of a standard approved by the chief constable and the Scottish Ministers after consultation with the Police Advisory Board of Scotland;

(g)must, if a candidate for appointment in the rank of sergeant, or inspector, be qualified for promotion to such rank in accordance with the provisions of the Police (Promotion) (Scotland) Regulations 1996(2);

(h)must give such information as may be required as to his previous history or employment or any other matter relating to his appointment to the police force.

(2) A candidate for appointment to a police force shall be given a notice in terms approved by the Scottish Ministers drawing attention to the terms and conditions of service.

(3) For the purposes of this regulation–

(a)“armed forces” means the naval, military or air forces of the Crown including any women’s service administered by the Defence Council; and

(b)“seaman” has the same meaning as in the Merchant Shipping Act 1995(3).