Federation warns new route into policing could create two-tier entry system

19 May 2023

Suffolk Police Federation chair Darren Harris has given his backing to critics of a so-called fourth route into policing amid fears it could create a two-tier entry system which might impact future career opportunities, pay and remuneration for members.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) last month announced it would support a Level 5 non-accredited learning programme which would be equivalent to a diploma of higher education (DipHE).

But Darren said the NPCC and the College of Policing should think again and ensure any new non-degree entry is still accredited to educational Level 6.

Darren spoke out after Police Federation national board member and professional development lead Paul Matthews suggested the fourth route would prove unworkable.

Paul said: “When the Home Secretary announced her plans for a new entry route last November, she did not envisage any reduction in the current learning standards.

“In fact, she stated that any new entry route would ‘deliver officers of the highest calibre, which would complement the existing framework’.

“This proposed fourth route does not deliver what the Home Secretary stated. Instead, it opens the door for some officers to be trained to a lower standard than others.”

Darren said the public expected all police officers to be trained to the same high standard regardless of which educational level they had attained.

He said: “At the end of the day we want the best women and men in the Force whatever their educational background.

“But every new recruit must be trained to the same high standards and there are fears that the so-called fourth route might lead to some sort of two-tier system which is unacceptable and would never work.

“Members of the public would expect all officers to undergo a training programme which equips them for the job and enables them to deliver a modern, effective police service for the people of Suffolk.”

The new Level 5  learning programme is being made available for forces as soon as possible but not later than 1 April 2024.

A number of forces are yet to engage with education partners about the impact of new standards and learning on existing Level 6 contractual obligations and await the College of Policing’s further implementation guidance and the design of associated curricula. 

The Police Federation said it was still awaiting the equality impact assessment of the decision to introduce the non-degree entry route supporting Level 5 qualification but, in the meantime, urged the NPCC and the college to ensure any change in the policy ensures that the standards defining competence in the police constable role remain the same irrespective of the entry routes.