Version 7.6

Februar 2009

Freiwilliger Polizeidienst Berlin

Schottland - Scotland

Although Scotland is currently an integral part of the United Kingdom, all aspects of our Government, with the exception of National Defence, Foreign Affairs and Taxation have been “Devolved” to a Scottish Parliament since 1999. Scotland has always operated a separate legal system to the rest of the UK.

There is no National police force in Scotland – instead there are 8 Regional Police Forces that cover several local council areas. Special Constables have been an integral part of policing in Scotland for many hundreds of years – although their use in general frontline policing has increased significantly over the past 10 years.

Special Constables wear the same uniform, and have identical powers to full time officers when on duty. A small badge worn on the shoulder epaulette identifies the officer as a Special Constable, although this is not normally noticeable by the public. Like the rest of the police service in the UK, Special Constables are unarmed, although we use CS Incapacitant, ASP or PR24 Batons and Rigid Handcuffs.

There are approximately 1500 Special Constables in Scotland (Population 5 million), and our numbers have decreased significantly over the past 5 years – mainly due to the increased requirement for training hours and pressure on family life. The Police Service in Scotland are about to undertake a large recruitment drive for Special Constables, and for the first time in our history, a trial is to be run in the Grampian Police area where Special Constables will be paid an annual retainer (Up to aprx. €3000) for their services.

Special Constables in most Force areas undertake a 12 day basic induction course, and the remainder of their training is carried out at a local level. The duties and training standards of Special Constables in Scotland vary greatly, and it is hoped to standardise this over the coming years. Some officers may only work on operational duty 4 or 5 times per year doing very low level work, closely supervised by a full time trainer, while other officers are trained to work alongside specialist departments such as Traffic, Dog Section and Investigative Departments, sometimes contributing up to 80 hours per month of voluntary work.

There is no rank structure with Scottish Special Constables. Unlike our colleagues in England, we are not seen as a separate organisation – our supervisors are therefore the full time sergeants and Senior Officers on duty.  Individual Special Constables may take on responsibility for coordination and administrative roles, although they have no “extra” rank.

Unlike our colleagues in England & Wales, we are unable to join the police union (Police Federation), although they will represent our interests and protect us if we are complained about whilst on duty. We can join the police sporting & recreation associations, including the IPA.

The Special Constabulary in Scotland are undergoing a period of great change that has come about due to the gradual extension of our role over the last 10 years. There is still an element of resentment from some older full time officers about our status (who see us as taking away some of their opportunities to earn extra money from overtime), although these opinions are now in a big minority. Most officers value the support and backup we give to the Full Time officers.

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