College of Policing: New recruits will need a degree

FUTURE recruits to the police service will need a degree – although forces will be able to hire non-graduates and pay for them to complete a policing degree on the job.

The announcement was made by the College of Policing 10 months after it first suggested the idea of graduate bobbies. Other changes include new qualifications for promoted officers that reflect the nature of their new role.

For example, new sergeants will complete a 12-month higher-level apprenticeship in leadership and management.

The College said there should be three ways potential police recruits can join the service:

• Non-graduates can complete a police constable degree apprenticeship paid for by the force, allowing them to obtain a policing degree and earn while they learn
• Recruits can complete a specific practical policing degree before they join the service
• A graduate programme will be available for those who already have degrees, which will also be paid for by the recruiting force.

Described by the College as “future proofing” the service, the changes have been made following a two-month public consultation, to which more than 3,000 people responded. Nearly 80% of responses came from police officers, three-quarters of whom said they would like to be accredited for their existing skills.

CEO Alex Marshall said: “We have incredibly hard working and dedicated employees across policing who are working at a graduate level now but not getting the same recognition that people in other professions benefit from.

“I am very proud that for the first time in policing, our members who wish to be officially recognised for their existing skills will be able to do so.

“Our plans will future-proof policing so that, as it becomes more complex, officers will be accredited to the appropriate standard. Regardless of which force they are in, they will know that their skills and knowledge match those of colleagues elsewhere in the country.

“In turn, the public should receive the same level of service regardless of where they live.”

Other changes include new qualifications for promoted officers that reflect the nature of their new role. For example, new sergeants will complete a 12-month higher-level apprenticeship in leadership and management and will only be confirmed in post when they have completed the course. Newly promoted inspectors will obtain a similar qualification at a higher standard and newly promoted superintendents will complete a master’s apprenticeship.

All training courses will be paid for by the officer’s police force.

The changes also affect senior officers – anyone who wants promotion to the rank of Assistant Chief Constable or above will now require a master’s degree before applying.