Police Scotland Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 41 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
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7 roles · 41 reportsCandidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Police Scotland.
Police Scotland
Police Officer
Entry Average Positive experience No offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Group Panel
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
Filled out an application, then had a fitness bleep test where I had to get to level 6 or 7 and do a general run. After that, there was a competency-based interview where I was asked about 7 or 8 questions on general competency. I wanted to use examples from my application, but was told to use different ones, which was strange.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Can you describe a situation using the STAR format?
Police Scotland
Police Officer
Mid Difficult Positive experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
Did my interview in 2023. It was formal. There were 2 interviewers, and the interview is set up to put a fair bit of pressure on you to see how you handle it. Even though it was formal, they were pretty nice and happy to chat before it began. If you pass the interview, they'll then do a drug test, taking a hair sample to send off.
Confirmed questions4 questions
- Can you share an instance where you handled a situation with emotional sensitivity?
- Describe a time when you took responsibility for something.
- Tell me about a time you were receptive to change and also showed innovation.
Police Scotland
Police Officer
Entry Difficult Positive experience Accept offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Other
The interview was a bit more relaxed than you might expect. It was held in a large room with just me and two chairs facing each other. My interview had one recruiter and one senior police officer. They asked me about six questions focusing on police officer competencies, and then a few questions about Police Scotland, its setup, and staff. You can find all the info you need for this with a quick search. I got a call about an hour after leaving, with an offer to move to the next step.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Can you recount a time you managed a situation that was emotionally sensitive?
Police Scotland
Category Manager
Mid Average Negative experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Panel Presentation Background check
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation
I got contacted on LinkedIn by the Police Scotland recruitment team about the CM role and was sent a job description. An interview was then scheduled, which was inconveniently during my holidays. The process was a bit ad-hoc, but it turned out to be a two-stage process: a panel interview with an in-tray exercise, followed by a presentation to senior management the next week. The interview itself was professional, but the follow-up was terrible. I didn't hear back by the next Friday and had to chase the recruiter for an update, only to be told I was unsuccessful. They said they don't inform candidates until the process is complete, which wasn't helpful given the pace they claimed the recruitment was moving at. It would have been better to know earlier so I didn't keep my diary free for a second stage that never happened.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Can you describe your most successful procurement project and explain what made it stand out?
Police Scotland Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from Police Scotland interview reports.
“What are the Standards of Professional Behaviour for Police Scotland?”
Read reports →“What is your understanding of the National Priorities of Policing?”
Read reports →“What are the code of ethics and what do they mean to you?”
Read reports →“What is your understanding of the equality and diversity act?”
Read reports →“Could you explain your understanding of the organizational structure of Police Scotland?”
Read report →“What do diversity and equality mean to you, and can you name the 9 characteristics and the legislation they fall under?”
Read report →“Could you outline the responsibilities and duties associated with being a police officer?”
Read report →“Could you outline the probationary period at Police Scotland and its components?”
Read report →“Could you describe what the job entails for a Probationary Police Officer?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 41 Police Scotland interview reports.