A Week in Oslo: Police Scotland on Exchange, 2026

Following an exciting week where our Norwegian mentees attended Tulliallan Police College, Police Scotland officers were fortunate enough to spend a week in Oslo in April 2026. This privileged opportunity allowed us to strengthen our professional connections and quickly develop relationships that became far more personal.

From the outset we were met with genuine warmth and hospitality. Based primarily at the Norwegian Police University College, we were given a first-hand insight into how Norway approaches the training of its officers and the differences between our two countries. Much like the sense of belonging our Norwegian counterparts experienced during their visit to Scotland, we were made to feel like both colleagues and friends.

We were fortunate to receive in-depth inputs on various aspects of Norwegian police training, including officer safety demonstrations and use-of-force techniques. As Police Scotland officers, we were also given the opportunity to present on a range of topics including radicalisation and high-risk supporters. These sessions were insightful and thought-provoking not only for our mentees but for us as well. Coming from a variety of policing backgrounds within Police Scotland, from Counter Terrorism to Domestic Abuse, we were able to learn from one another too.

In addition to Norwegian students, we also had the opportunity to meet policing students from Iceland and Finland, as well as German police lecturers. This greatly broadened our international connections and created valuable, lasting networking opportunities. We spent time creating posters to highlight the work we undertook together which were then displayed around the university.

Outside of the classroom, we gained a real understanding of community policing in Norway by visiting Oslo’s Central Police Station. We were fortunate to hear from two community policing officers who explained their model, highlighting both its strengths and similarities to approaches long established in Scotland.

A true highlight of the exchange was our visit to the 22nd of July Museum. This was a sobering and reflective experience that served as a powerful reminder of the importance of community and the critical role policing plays in the face of adversity.

It wasn’t all formal learning as there were also light-hearted moments. We experienced traditional Norwegian food and culture and spent time exploring the beautiful city of Oslo. Many evenings were spent with our mentees as we shared stories of our own policing experiences and life outside the job.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the exchange was supporting our Norwegian counterparts as they worked towards completing their thesis and moving one step closer to becoming police officers. It was a truly fulfilling experience that also allowed us to further develop our own mentoring and leadership skills. These are skills we will carry forward throughout our careers.

Overall, the exchange highlighted the importance of international partnership in modern policing. While our systems and structures may differ our shared goal of keeping people safe remains the same.

We can now confidently say that we have built strong professional connections but also formed lifelong friendships.

Written by Amy McDonald and Lisa Quinn, Police Scotland.