Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Police Training: Entry Routes

28 February 2023 · 2 other contributors · 3,141 words

Opened by Kieran Mullan Con Bexhill and Battle

Responding minister: Chris Philp

Policing & Resources

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Kieran Mullan raised concerns about police training: entry routes in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Kieran Mullan is concerned that a degree-only requirement for police recruitment could alienate parts of the community and hinder policing by consent.
  • Mullan suggests the college should award professional educational credits for various types of training to help officers achieve a level 6 qualification without needing a full degree.
  • The minister acknowledges the importance of community reflection in policing and notes success in recruiting additional police officers, with 84% of the 20,000 target met by December 2022.

Key requests to Government

Mullan urges the college to consider awarding professional educational credits for various types of training that officers undertake throughout their careers, which could lead to a level 6 qualification. He encourages chief constables and the college to revisit the issue with fresh perspectives and in listening mode.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Kieran Mullan Con Bexhill and Battle

Kieran Mullan is concerned about the importance of recruiting people into police forces who reflect their local communities. He argues that policing by consent relies on officers being drawn from all parts of society, including those without degrees. He points out that tens of millions of people do not have degrees and a degree-only requirement would create a force divorced from the population it serves. Mullan also mentions that special constables with years of experience should not be required to obtain full degrees to transition to regular officers.

Other contributors (2)
  • Darren Henry Con Crewe and Nantwich

    Policing is a profession admired for its dedication to community safety, with similar values and skills found in the armed forces. The military service leaders pathway to policing course was established to fast-track veterans from their resettlement period into the second year of the police constable degree apprenticeship.

  • George Howarth Lab Dudley South

    Called Dr Kieran Mullan to move the motion and stated that there would not be an opportunity for the Member in charge to wind up due to the convention for 30-minute debates. Reminded Darren Henry that the Minister needs enough time to respond to the debate.

Government Response

Chris Philp

As always, it is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship. I thank my hon. Friend for securing this debate and agree with his comments on the importance of policing reflecting communities and making it accessible for people from all backgrounds. The programme to recruit additional police officers has seen success, recruiting 84% of the target of 20,000 extra officers by December 2022, and we are on track to have a record number of police officers in England and Wales next month. Of new recruits, 43% were female and 11% from ethnic minority backgrounds, an improvement over previous figures. Regarding entry routes, the Home Secretary announced that the IPLDP entry route would remain open alongside degree-based routes until a new non-degree entry route is developed by the College of Policing. Drawing from the armed forces for policing is encouraged, with pilot schemes underway to expand this nationwide. Survey data indicates that between 70% and 80% of newly recruited officers have had positive experiences and intend to make policing their long-term career. The police covenant ensures serving and retired officers are properly looked after. I will work with Members from all parties to maintain the record number of police officers and ensure they continue to serve and protect our constituents.

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