Police Uniforms From Script to Screen: An Essential Guide for the Costume Department

Course Date: Wednesday 28 January 2026 | 0930 – 1600 | Glasgow

Application Deadline:  Wednesday 7 January 2026 | 0900

If you’re working in film and TV in Scotland and want to learn more about the history of police uniforms, how to source them, dress cast and make them as accurate as possible within the confines of production, this one-day training course is for you.

Led by seasoned costume supervisor April MacTavish, this session is designed to help you build confidence, and understanding when working with contemporary and period police uniforms on productions of any budget.

The course will introduce the key considerations for costume professionals, interactive scenario examples and general best practice, exploring:

> The history of Police Uniforms with Alastair Dinsmore from Glasgow Police Museum

> How to research Police Uniforms

> Understanding the legal and clearance responsibilities of Police Uniforms on set

> The Sourcing, Hiring & Buying process

> Fitting Hats, Belts, Vests & Truncheons

> Epaulettes & Insignias – hiring and making

> Managing Police Uniforms on-set.

Who is this course for?
This course is for Costume practitioners working within the film and TV industry who would like to learn more about managing Police Uniforms on set.

Tutor:
This course will be delivered by renowned costume designer April MacTavish. April has worked in the costume industry for 20 years and has had experience of working with police uniforms in contemporary dramas and period pieces.  Having designed the first five series of Scot Squad and been the Assistant Designer on both Lockerbie – A search for truth and Chemistry of Death as well as supervisor on detective series Rebus and Vigil, she has encountered most of the situations that dealing with police uniforms brings. 

Eligibility:

This session is specifically for established film and television practitioners based in Scotland. Please only apply if you meet this criteria. BECTU opportunities for those in other areas of the UK can be found here: England, Wales.

> Applicants should be based and working freelance in film and television in Scotland.

> Students are not eligible for this training.

Selection:

> As this is a workshop style course, there are a limited number of spaces available to allow participants the opportunity to interact and ask questions.

> Priority for spaces will be given to eligible BECTU members.

> If more BECTU members apply than spaces available, places will be given to those who demonstrate the greatest professional need for this training Places are provided free of charge but are worth a considerable amount. Please only apply if you can commit to attending the session.

Access:

>  Access requirements can be arranged for those selected including BSL translation, captions and large print etc.

>  We can help with travel costs.

This BECTU Vision short course is funded by Screen Scotland and BFI Skills Cluster Fund and provided free of charge to freelance film and television practitioners based in Scotland.

BECTU Vision is funded by Screen Scotland, Scottish Union Learning and BBC in partnership with Bectu.

If you have any queries please email vision@bectu.org.uk

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