Officers Grasp Education Nettle

Tue, 07 September 2010 Courtesy of: Police Oracle

Senior officers are poised to join forces with members of the academic establishment at a special event to discuss issues surrounding the future of police education.

The inaugural Higher Education Forum for Learning and Development in Policing – which is being held at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston over the next two days – will focus on key issues including recruitment and continuous professional development in tough financial times.

Guest speakers at the event, entitled Police Learning: A Changing World, include ACC Wendy Walker of Lancashire Constabulary – who will be speaking on issues surrounding attracting new officers to Forces over the next few years – and DCC Alf Hitchcock of the NPIA, addressing police leadership.

“The focus of this conference is broad and includes pre- and post-employment academic provision, issues of diversity, initial police learning as well as specialist qualifications”

Among the academics present will be Prof Martin Innes, of the Universities’ Police Science Institute and Dr Lee Chatfield, Head of School, Forensic and Investigative Science, at the University of Central Lancashire.

The event – which is backed by PoliceOracle.com – promises to provide an interesting cross-section of views on the future, particularly with Forces across the UK facing unprecedented cuts to their funding in the years to come.

Recruitment freezes are already in place around the country as Chief Constables grapple with the realities of where they can make the necessary reductions. There are reports that some forces have also put promotions on hold.

A statement from the University of Central Lancashire said: “The focus of this conference is broad and includes pre- and post-employment academic provision, issues of diversity, initial police learning as well as specialist qualifications.

“The multifaceted nature of police learning and development highlights the need for a flexible approach and a belief that a ‘one size fits all’ may not be appropriate.”