Clive Tattum

The Police Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF) was developed in 2016 by the College of Policing, in order to streamline police education qualifications that were arguably piecemeal for 43 forces across the Country. It is critical in assisting the professionalisation of the Police Service. One aspect of PEQF is the education of all new recruits to degree level (level 6). This is quite a big leap from the current level 3 training of new recruits. This new approach is not without its sceptics. Of note is the national interest from the Home Office, College of Policing and Senior Officers as to whether PEQF will make any difference and professionalise the service in the way anticipated, so research at this time is critical. Currently we have just completed the pilot study and are currently writing up for peer review and it does seem to indicate that stakeholders are very sceptical about the difference PEQF will make. We therefore propose a longitudinal study comparing the Initial Police and Development Programme (IPDLP) (the old training) and PEQF (the new educational) route for police officers. In order to do this we have established a collaboration with Lancaster, Salford, Keele, Chester and the University of Bristol, and with police forces, Lancashire, Cumbria, Avon and Somerset and Cheshire, all of whom will be involved in separate work streams around the study (there are also other universities and forces showing interest, so this may increase). We are currently compiling an action plan as to how best each university and force will be involved in the study and producing the methodology. The workstreams will include, well-being of officers, training experience, curriculum design, delivery models and professional experiences. In summary this research will have national significance and impact, and is a way to continue the professionalisation of policing by keeping the link and influence of HE with the police service.