Accelerated scheme
The Accelerated Careers Development Programme for Graduates
(ACDP) is a national Scottish Police Service Programme, designed to
offer a structured fast-track career path for the most promising
graduates entering the police. First, you’ll need to get a good
grounding in police work. Then, you’ll be given early
responsibility to help you develop and quickly reach a senior
management position.
It’s a highly selective scheme. Over the past few years less
than 1% of candidates have been successful in gaining a place. And,
if you are successful, it’s still crucial that you’re able to first
make the grade as a capable uniformed operational Constable: this
is an accelerated career path, not a bypass.
Most graduates still enter the Scottish Police Service as
standard (non-ACDP) candidates. In this case, you’ll still have the
chance to apply for the ACDP during your initial two-year
probationary period if you want to. The scheme is also open to
non-graduate entrants who – having passed the Police (Scotland)
(Promotion) Examinations, or Police Diploma – show considerable
promise and potential.
Further details can be found on the Scottish
Police College website