Police officers are being offered English classes following concerns about the standards of younger recruits. Probationary officers in Scotland will receive extra reading and writing training, which includes guidance on taking down statements, writing reports, and clearer speech for everyday communication. This will be provided by the Criminal Justice Services Division and Semper Scotland, which represents ethnic minority officers in Police Scotland.
The classes follow a huge drop in applications to join the UK force, as sign-ups have dropped by 1,273 in the past two years. This has led to growing concerns over the standard of younger officers joining Police Scotland. The Herald reported that, in May, a pilot workshop for officers in their probationary period took place, which offered guidance on taking statements and clearer speech for everyday English.
This follows a workshop in June 2023 called English for Speakers of Other Languages, where around 50 officers attended. The same class has been held five more times since.
Liam Kerr, the Scottish Conservative shadow Justice Secretary, said: “With officer numbers down significantly, there is concern among high-ranking and senior officers about the standard and calibre of candidates coming through.
“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.”
Information for the cost of the workshops for Police Scotland is not held by the force, the Herald reports.
Officers in the force are facing a heavier workload, the head of the Scottish Police Federation has previously warned. This follows a drop from 17,496 officers in 2013 to under 16,000 by 2024-25, however Police Scotland has challenged these figures.
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.”
