A freedom of information request by The Herald confirmed the training was delivered in collaboration with SEMPER Scotland and the Criminal Justice Services Division.

Workshops included English for Speakers of Other Languages sessions, attended by around 50 officers in June and November 2023, with further classes held in May and November last year. On 27 May this year, a pilot workshop for probationary officers provided guidance on statement-taking and clearer speech.

While the ability of officers to speak other languages is seen as valuable in areas with large communities of non-native English speakers, critics argue the courses raise questions about recruitment standards.

Applications to join Police Scotland have fallen by 1,273 in the past two years, according to figures reported by 1919 Magazine, while resignations have increased. The Scottish Police Federation (SPF) has warned of a staffing crisis, citing a drop in numbers from 17,496 officers in 2013 to fewer than 16,000 by 2024–25 – a figure disputed by Police Scotland.

The force has pledged to recruit 1,300 officers this year, the largest intake in its history, though concerns persist about the quality of candidates.

Liam Kerr MSP, Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary, said: “Police Scotland is being stretched to breaking point under the SNP government. With officer numbers down significantly, there is concern among high-ranking and senior officers about the standard and calibre of candidate 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.”

Superintendent Steven Duncan, head of operational training, defended the workshops, stressing that all applicants must meet English competency standards before entering the service. He said the voluntary classes were designed to build confidence for officers whose first language is not English, particularly when dealing with local dialects and colloquialisms.

He added: “The Chief Constable has been clear that strengthening and protecting frontline policing is a priority for Police Scotland. Our recruitment pipeline is healthy and we welcomed 100 new recruits to Police Scotland in July with an additional 138 expected in September. We are planning on recruiting a total of 780 officers over this financial year.”

Meanwhile, figures released this month revealed that £28.15 million was spent on officer overtime in 2024–25, alongside £3.4 million for police staff – a combined 10 per cent rise on the previous year.

SPF general secretary David Kennedy said overtime had become “a necessity to maintain even the most basic levels of public safety”, warning that relying on exhausted officers to cover demand was “unsustainable” and a symptom of “a wider crisis in police numbers”.

The Scottish government insists Scotland continues to have more officers per capita than England and Wales. A spokesperson said: “We are investing a record £1.64 billion for policing this year and, with recorded crime down more than half since 1991, ministers are grateful to police officers and staff for all they do to keep our diverse communities safe. We welcome Police Scotland’s efforts to strengthen diversity and inclusion with a workforce reflective of the communities it serves.”