New police officers across Scotland have received English lessons in a bid to improve reading and writing skills amid fears surrounding the standard of new recruits.
The lessons, which have been given to probationary officers, includes advice on clearer speech for speaking English, writing reports and taking down statements from members of the public.
The classes have been provided by the Criminal Justice Services Division and Semper Scotland, the staff association for officers in Police Scotland from ethnic minority backgrounds
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Police Scotland do not hold information surrounding the cost of the lessons to the taxpayer, The Herald reported.
It comes amid rising fears that the standard of young officers joining the force has dropped following a nosedive in the number of applications.
In the past two years, the number of applications to join Police Scotland have slumped by 1,273 and a growing number of officers are handing in their resignations.
Scottish Conservatives’ Shadow Justice Secretary, Liam Kerr, said: “With officer numbers down significantly, there is concern among high-ranking and senior officers about the standard and calibre of candidate coming through.
Shadow Justice Secretary, Liam Kerr, said: ‘With officer numbers down significantly, there is concern among high-ranking and senior officers about the standard and calibre of candidate coming through’
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“While it is crucial that the force reflects modern society, Scots will be concerned that taxpayer money is being spent on these courses and will feel an acceptable level of English should be achieved prior to qualifying as an officer.
“The SNP’s sustained underfunding of Police Scotland continues to have serious consequences, and it is time they recognised the reality facing the force and give them the resources they need.”
Roughly 50 officers took part in a workshop labelled “English for Speakers of Other Languages” in June 2023, The Herald revealed.
The same lessons took place in November 2023 and an additional four times the following year.
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Roughly 50 officers took part in a workshop labelled ‘English for Speakers of Other Languages’ in June 2023
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GETTYAfter a Freedom of Information request, Police Scotland revealed that officers currently in their probationary period had taken part in a pilot workshop focused on improving speech for everyday English and taking statements.
The trial classes for new recruits took place in May earlier this year.
In March, the head of the Scottish Police Federation, David Threadgold, expressed concerns that a decrease of over 1,500 officers between 2013 and 2025 had put current officers under pressure with a bigger workload.
Police Scotland have contested these figures however, saying that the force will recruit an additional 1,300 officers in 2024/25, the most ever in a single year, causing fears surrounding the quality of the newest cohort.
Police Scotland’s head of operational training, Superintendent Steven Duncan, said: “All police officer applicants are subject to the same high standards to be selected for recruitment.
“Under the Police Service of Scotland Regulations, all candidates must be sufficiently competent in spoken and written English and undertake an assessment to demonstrate this prior to entering the service.
“We want people from all backgrounds and experiences to see policing as a potential career, and it is important that our people represent and reflect the communities we serve.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We welcome Police Scotland’s efforts to strengthen diversity and inclusion with a workforce reflective of the communities it serves.”
