Individual officers do not need reform \u2013 it\u2019s the force structure which is at fault, South Yorkshire Police Federation has said.<\/p>\n
Chair Steve Kent was speaking as the Government announced plans that would require officers to hold and renew a \u2018licence to practise\u2019 throughout their career.<\/p>\n
The licence would create a single standardised framework for officer training, supervision and development across all police forces in England and Wales.<\/p>\n
Officers who repeatedly fail to demonstrate they \u201chave the skills needed to fight crime\u201d would lose their jobs, the Home Office said.<\/p>\n
But Steve warned that the new rules announced in the policing white paper would enable senior ranks to get rid of police officers outside the normal processes, and that the move could be costly for officers.<\/p>\n
Steve said: \u201cI am concerned about this proposal. It suggests that individual officers are what need to be reformed, as opposed to where the reform needs to be, which is at a national level.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis would provide several bites of the cherry to remove officers outside the normal route of performance Regulations, and discipline and conduct Regulations.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am also concerned about the fact that people may have to pay for licences. I think the Office of Constable is what needs to be supported, not changed. And any reform needs to be at force level.\u201d<\/p>\n
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