PLANS that would require all new police officers in England and Wales to have a degree level qualification to enter the service have been questioned.
The proposal from the College of Policing aims to introduce a consistent standard for new entrants into police forces across the country.
John Dwyer, Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said: “In one sense I can understand the view of the College of Policing. I do agree with this and it is why in Cheshire all new officers are required to complete the Certificate in Knowledge of Policing prior to starting with the Constabulary.
“Where I disagree with the College is that I do not feel that we should be prescribing a degree level qualification for new entrants. This can be one route but not the only route.
“I believe that if this was to be implemented it would narrow the pool of applicants as we could lose those people who did not want, cannot afford or do not have the means to undertake a full degree – in essence we could lose some great police officers of the future.”
Dwyer believes other ways of advancing police officers and their training should be explored.
