Police Scotland International Academy
Information about the Police Scotland International Academy, what it does and its aims and objectives.
On this page:
What is the Police Scotland International Academy?
What the IDIU seeks to achieve?
What the International Development and Innovation Unit does
How to find out more about our work
What is the Police Scotland International Academy?
The Police Scotland International Academy (PSIA) is based at Tulliallan Castle. It's a central Hub for the co-ordination and delivery of Police Scotland’s non-operational international activity.
The work is managed and led by the International Development and Innovation Unit (IDIU).
International development is a key part of Scotland's contribution within the international community. It is our ambition to collaborate on initiatives. It is also to support our international partners towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Whilst Police Scotland’s main purpose is to improve the safety and well-being of people, places and communities in Scotland national and international dimensions to poverty, justice, inequality and climate change are interlinked.
To provide a specific focus on these issues we created the Police Scotland International Academy.
What the IDIU seeks to achieve?
Enhanced global opportunities to positively contribute to and deliver police training, development and support. This is for the benefit of communities in Scotland and internationally. It is aligned to the UN sustainable development goals
Effective and productive partnership networks working collaboratively with those who reflect Police Scotland’s values and ethics. This allows innovation and exploring new ways of working.
Increased skills, knowledge and understanding of international communities within our workforce. This positively influences and shares best practice, which is reflected in our approach
The Police Scotland International Development Strategy 2021 is available.
What the International Development and Innovation Unit does
Exchanging information, experience and support
Scottish policing has supported the development of police services overseas for over ten years. We have hosted police officers from every continent and on study programmes in Scotland. We have worked in other countries to help develop their police services.
Every country has their own unique set of challenges. For example, they have their own legislation, culture, social structure.
All training that is delivered overseas is therefore created bespoke. It is in partnership with the host police service. This is to ensure that the training works in the host country context.
We have built strong relationships with Policing agencies across the world. This is to share and learn from best practice.
Partnership and collaboration
We are continuing to strengthen the existing collaboration with our public sector, third sector and academic partners. We're also expanding our reach nationally and internationally.
Innovation and continuous professional development
The IDIU assists in the co-ordination of Police Scotland’s participation in international research related to law enforcement.
We are currently participating in cutting edge international research programmes. These will service to expand and strengthen Police Scotland’s own expertise.
We are also collaborating with international partners on the development of new training products. This will not only enhance our organisation internationally but add to the continuous professional development of our own officers.
How to find out more about our work
Reflecting the context within which our activity takes place every request for development assistance is scrutinised.
Police Scotland only works with police services in other countries who recognise the Police Scotland values of integrity, fairness and respect and human rights.
As part of this scrutiny, every request for assistance is subject to an Overseas Security and Justice Assessment, as per Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Policy.
Also, all our activities embrace the Scottish Government principles and approach to international development as a Global Citizen.
You can email the IDIU team on policescotlandinternational@scotland.pnn.police.uk.
