Do People Need A Degree To Become A Police Officer?

[10ClarionSt]

Apologies if this has been covered but can't find anything. Do they need a degree? I fink so cos dey awl fick as too shawt plancs, innit?

[dannyk13]

So what Master's Degree do you hold?Are you also as thick as two short planks?

[ummmm]

What point are you trying to make?

[aelmpvw]

i think Clarion's probably been caught speeding ...

[hc4361]

As the minimum recruitment age is 18 a degree is not needed. Most forces also offer 'fast track' career advancement to graduates.

[retrocop]

No.Not even in today's modern high tech world. Not all coppers are investigating Corporate Frauds or I.T. Crimes. OK for Bramshill whizz kids and high fliers but they haven't a clue what happens on the ground and useless in man-management.
Common sense is mostly needed. Dare I say a certain group of people in this country, who are generally labelled by some as under achievers or disadvantaged stand no chance of helping the H.O. with their quest to tick boxes for their diversity recruitment scheme.

[spathiphyllum]

No. There are number of paths that can lead you to be a PO.

[naomi24]

The acquisition of a degree doesn't necessarily render the holder 'unthick'. Some of the thickest people I know have degrees - and good ones too.

[retrocop]

I recall the accelerated promotion scheme for Uni Grads back in the 70's. We had a nice chap join us at Harrow Road with a degree in Agricultural Science. OK for extracating himself out the manure regularly but of precious use in other fields of policework. We rarely saw him as he was back and forth to 'Bramshatch'. Last I heard he had reached Chief Inspector rank and climbing. Good luck to him and his pension but I bet a penny to a pinch that he never stepped outside an office for the rest of his career.

[agchristie]

I always liked the acronym CHIMPS for PCSO's - (completely hopeless in most police situations).

I never ever see a police officer walking through my estate.

[sherrardk]

You need a degree (or to be working towards one) - I only know because boy #2 wants to be an armed police officer but the whole degree thing is putting him off.

[retrocop]

ag
Brilliant. That's a new one for me. The job was always good with humerous acronyms and banter. TJF is a little lapel pin badge we wore covertly on our uniforms and civvies. :-)

[CrapAtCryptics]

Here are some of the basic eligibility requirements for police officer candidates.
Applicants from all backgrounds and ethnic groups are encouraged to apply. Applicants are not limited to any particular age group - in fact, we welcome those who are looking for a career change. The minimum age to apply is 18, and there is no upper age limit, though you should bear in mind that the normal retirement age for police constables and sergeants is 60. You should also be aware that all new recruits, whatever their age, are required to undertake a two-year probationary period.
Basic guidelines for applicants

As you might imagine, applicant guidelines are fairly comprehensive, but here are a few highlights:

there are no minimum or maximum height requirements
there is no formal educational requirement, but you will have to pass written tests
you must be either a British Citizen, a citizen of the EU or other states in the EEA, or a Commonwealth citizen or foreign national with indefinite leave to remain in the UK
although you may still be eligible to join the police service if you have minor convictions/cautions, there are certain offences and conditions that will make you ineligible. If you are at all unsure, contact your chosen force for more information
you must physically and mentally be able to undertake police duties

[Mamyalynne]

//There are several ways to join the police, and in 2020 there'll be a major change to the recruitment process, meaning you'll need to have at least a degree-level qualification by the time you complete your probation.//

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/law-enforcement-and-security/joining-the-police

[JF85]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-48947504

[10ClarionSt]

Thanks for the replies folks. I wondered who'd bite first! DannyK, you are todays winner! :o) But as most are probably aware, there was a report at the weekend that all applicants for the poilce force in future will have to have a degree. That sounds counter-productive to me and could lead to a further shortage of police officers. Thanks to Retrocop for the posts. Interesting. I'm not trying to ridicule the police. I had two close relatives who were DCI's in Moss Side, Manchester, both now retired.

[retrocop]

sherrard
I was an authorised F.O. and all you needed was a good sense of judgement, and a steady aim with good vision.No one,in the 17 years I was on protection, had a degree that I was aware of.
All this nonsense has come from the new College of Policing. These people / clowns would be better off back in the 'footlights' at Cambridge.

[dannyk13]

Retro, completely agree.We had superior officers who had never worked the streets after completing probation.They had no idea what policing was about.

[retrocop]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-38319283
This is a link. I read the Chief Constable of Lincolnshire is bucking the trend. He says it's too costly and won't cooperate.

[retrocop]

//Retro, completely agree.We had superior officers who had never worked the streets after completing probation.They had no idea what policing was about.//

It's the same the whole world over. :-)
BTW . In the Met us plods never referred to our officers as 'Superior' only 'Senior'. They had nothing to feel superior about in my opinion.

[Sqad]

Clarion.....correct me if I am wrong, but i thought that this recent story was about prison Officers needing a degree.