August 30, 2019 3.23 pm This story is over 64 months old

Local Democracy Weekly: Looking for unity against police degrees

Some want the plan “put to the sword”

By Calvin Robinson Local Democracy Reporter

It should have come as no surprise when Lincolnshire Police bit the bullet and launched a legal challenge against plans for police officers to obtain a degree.

The force stands to lose 40 frontline officers and next week Marc Jones will raise the issue of funding with the Prime Minister, something he said is “still a concern”.

Mr Jones said the College of Policing has not listened to concerns over its scheme, which will require all new officers to either study for a policing degree for three years or be prepared to study for one in work time.

£20,000 has been set aside for the initial judicial review, but the force needs more than just funding.

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It needs backing from other forces, something which Mr Jones believes he and Chief Constable Bill Skelly have.

“We’re certainly getting lots of support, but it’s whether they actually join the action against the college,” said Mr Jones.

His concerns are echoed elsewhere in the country.

Marc Jones, Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner. Picture: Calvin Robinson.

One of the PCCs most outspoken against the proposals is Bedfordshire’s Kathryn Holloway.

She said the scheme “lacked common sense” and that the government should put the policy “to the sword”

However, at the moment, the Lincolnshire force remains the only one taking the step to try and delay the controversial scheme.

When the stoical public of Middle England – in Shefford’s case a Central Bedfordshire Council – complain bitterly of a lack of common sense in the enforced degree sole entry route to policing – any Govt which may shortly seek re-election should put it to the sword @BorisJohnson

— Kathryn Holloway (@KHollowayPCC) August 29, 2019

The judicial review called for by Mr Jones looks to put the introduction of the degrees on hold until 2023 in order for the scheme to be reevaluated.

Mr Jones said the force would rather get the college around the table to discuss a compromise.

College of Policing officials said the scheme will reflect a change in crime-fighting and will help to “modernise” the service.

Unfortunately for them, some of those in their profession that disagree are looking to take legal action.

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