Strathclyde Police and National Fitness Standard for the Scottish Police Service

Strathclyde Police requires all new recruits to meet the new National Fitness Standard for the Scottish Police Service.


From 1st September 2007, all new applicants and recruits to the Scottish Police Service have been required to undertake the new national fitness standard as a demonstration of physical fitness.


The new standard replaces the variety of fitness testing regimes utilised by the eight Scottish Forces to date. In addition, it links into the fitness regime used by the Scottish Police College during both the Initial Training and Reconvention probationary courses.


Once appointed, probationary officers will be expected to continue to demonstrate their fitness to the required levels throughout their probationary period.


Strathclyde Police appear willing to agree to this common standard yet have unilaterally rejected the common standards set down for colour vision by the Scottish Ministers, and approved by the same stakeholder bodies who will have agreed the new fitness standards, including ACPOS.


Throughout Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom, potential police recruits know precisely how their colour vision fits with the acceptable standards for being a police officer. Only in the area policed by Strathclyde are they given the message "you are not wanted".

• Colour vision defects are no longer a bar to entry. However severe colour vision deficiencies (monochromats) are not acceptable [Devon and Cornwall]


• The use of colour correcting lenses and sever colour vision deficiencies (monochromats) are unacceptable.Severe anomalous dichromats or trichomats are acceptable. [Cheshire]


• Severe colour vision deficiencies (monochromats) are not acceptable. Anomalous trichromats are acceptable. Severe anomalous trichromats or dichromats are also acceptable but you will need to be aware of the deficiency and make appropriate adjustments. [Northamptonshire]


• Severe colour vision deficiencies (monochromats) are not acceptable. Mild anomalous trichromats are acceptable. Severe anomalous dichromats or trichromats are also acceptable but you will need to be aware of the deficiency and make appropriate adjustments. [Northumbria]


• Click here for information on the Standards for Scottish police forces