The creation of a new policing professional body was announced by the Home Secretary in December 2011. Representatives from the Police Federation, the Superintendents' Association, ACPO and UNISON worked with the Home Office to create the College, ensuring that it represents the police service's desires and aspirations. As soon as Parliamentary time allows, the College of Policing will be established as a statutory body, independent of government. While the necessary legislation is prepared, the College has been established as a company limited by guarantee. The college officially launched on 4 February 2013 with Chief ConstableAlex Marshall QPM as Chief Executive. Marshall has since left the college, retiring from policing in September 2017. Marshall was replaced by Mike Cunningham on 15 January 2018.
Education requirements
The College of Policing has announced that from 2020, all new police officers in England and Wales will have to be educated to degree level. This policy will be administered through the Policing Education Qualifications Framework which creates three entry routes into the police:
The Pre-Join Policing Degree: This entry route involves completion of a three-year knowledge-based degree in professional policing prior to joining the police service. Becoming a special constable may be included as part of this programme. Candidates who are subsequently recruited will undertake practice-based training to develop specific skills and will be assessed against national assessment criteria in order to demonstrate operational competence.
The Degree Holder Entry Programme : Aimed at degree-holders whose first degree is in a subject area other than policing. This two-year practice-based programme enables candidates to perform the role of police constable. Successful completion, results in the achievement of a graduate diploma in professional policing practice
The Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship: This is a professional degree-level apprenticeship, enabling new recruits to join the police service as an apprentice police constable and earn while they learn. During the three-year programme the apprentice will complete a degree in professional policing practice and will be assessed against national assessment criteria as an integral part of their degree apprenticeship. The apprenticeship will enable non-graduates to enter the police profession, enabling them to earn a degree in Professional Policing Practice whilst 'on-the-job' as part of a three-year initial training and education programme, meaning that not having a degree will not bar non-graduates from initially entering the service.
Authorised Professional Practice
The College produces guidance for officers known as Authorised Professional Practice. This covers topics such as firearms, stop and search, covert policing and investigations.
