It’s ‘ludicrous’ to think that officers need degrees

PLANS to make degrees part of new police recruits’ training has been dismissed as ‘ludicrous’ by Essex Police Federation.

By 2020 three routes will be open to those interested in a career in policing; an apprenticeship, ‘Degree Holder Entry,’ open for anyone with a degree in any subject, and a ‘Pre-Join Degree’ programme.

The new paths are part of the College of Policing’s new Police Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF) – both degree programmes will include an element of on the job training.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid and Met Police Chief Constable Cressida Dick have recently said they don’t believe officers must have degrees – a viewpoint shared by Essex Police Federation Chair Steve Taylor.

“I think it’s ludicrous. The police are the public and the public are the police. Does everyone in the communities officers police have a degree? No. Therefore why should every officer have one?” he said.

“For me the plans will close the door on entry into the service which relies on competence and capability rather than degrees, it’s not reflective of society and I do not understand the drive and push around this at all.”

The College of Policing has taken to Twitter to explain the new scheme and admitted there has been a ‘lot of confusion’ around it.

It also said that non-degree paths will be open for recruits.

Steve added: “The police service creates people that work to a degree level already, so why don’t we spend our energies and funds on supporting the officers that we have to reach that level.

“I don’t believe for a minute that the College has set out to damage policing deliberately, but this is harming the service and it cheapens us, it’s taking us away from our Peelian Principles.”

The College’s on-the-job apprenticeship entry scheme, which will give recruits a degree after three years, isn’t the answer either says Steve.

“They’ll be on £18,000 a year – less than what officers were getting 20 years ago,” he said.

“They’ll be working just four days a week, which won’t do anyone any favours, and they’ll face the same stresses and strains as their colleagues but will be paid less.

“All just to dance to this degree tune which nobody wants.

“At the end of the day, my degree hasn’t helped me out there on Friday and Saturday nights when I’ve dealt with violent drunks and it hasn’t helped me deliver dreadful news to bereaved loved ones.”

“It seems to me the College is just not listening to us.”