Joint training packages for RASSO investigators part of action plan

A series of training packages for police investigators and Crown Prosecutors tasked with improving the attrition rate for Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) coming before the courts after being reported by victims will be delivered as part of a joint plan agreed by the NPCC and CPS. DCC Sarah… Plan includes developing a Knowledge Hub to share best practice with CPS staff and investigators and launch of national conference ...

'High threshold' for officers to be removed from barred list

Officers who have been dismissed for gross incompetence and gross misconduct and placed on the Barred List will be able to apply to have their names removed from it after three or five years. In a change to the system announced by the College of Policing which will apply from… College says officers dismissed for gross misconduct or incompetence can apply to have their details wiped after minimum terms ...

Met direct entry scheme proves popular with women and BAME

Since 2017 recruits have been able to join the Met as a detective constable without first having to work their way up from uniform policing. The total number of direct entry detectives in 2020 was 354 and 52 per cent were female. In addition, 30 per cent of the applications… Half of the Metropolitan Police’s new direct-entry detective constables from last year are women....

BTP: fast tracking diversity

BTP is unique in that its community is entirely transient and the force  cannot measure its workforce against local demographics.. The 2011 Census estimates the UK's BAME population at 14 per cent, although the force said they were aware this was likely to have increased significantly and this presented a… Last year the British Transport Police began making strides to be a force that reflects the public it serves - not an easy task given that it covers the whole of the country ...

Nick Herbert to Chair CoP board

Lord Nick Herbert, who was Theresa May’s policing and crime minister, is returning to the sector to become the new Chair of the College of Policing. As minister, he championed the abolition of Police Authorities and the creation of Police and Crime Commissioners as their replacement. He takes over from… Former Policing Minister appointed to provide strategic direction for CoP working with new CEO who is yet to be appointed ...

Superintendents get CPD training as College ups online offer

The College of Policing and the Police Superintendents’ Association (PSA) have launched a series of online learning events to improve career development opportunities. The free webinars cover a range of issues including diversity and inclusion, lessons from Operation Talla plus wellbeing and resilience. Access is being provided through the PSA… Training and development for senior officers is being upgraded to improve wellbeing and operational advice....

Cheshire begins search for new Chief Constable as Darren Martland retires

Cheshire Constabulary has begun its hunt for a successor to Chief Constable Darren Martland who is retiring after more than 30 years’ service. The force has called for applications and set out the job description for the £156,693-a-year post. Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner, David Keane said he was “looking… Cheshire has begun its search for “a dedicated and high performing” new Chief Constable....

Detective shortage leads forces to target January blues for recruits

Forces across the country have used the traditional January window when people consider career changes to launch recruitment drives for detective roles. Two approaches are being made; tempting current officers to move forces or going to the wider public for direct entry training through fast-track programmes. Cheshire Constabulary is among… Forces have launched a fresh drive to recruit more detectives to make up for a shortfall in the senior ranks....

Special Constables join British Transport Police Federation

BTP Federation is welcoming Specials as members from this month (January 2021). Their membership of the staff association will be funded by BTP. BTP has 302 Specials who last year volunteered 100,702 hours. The Home Office confirmed last year the move to allow Specials to become members of the Federation,… Special Constables volunteering with British Transport Police are set to be the first in England and Wales to be represented by the Police Federation....

BTP put out banter survey to shape workplace behaviour workshops

BTP's Ethical Dilemmas workshop was rolled out to all officers and staff last year, and aims to educate officers about what is appropriate behaviour and speech and what isn't.  Trainers for the workshop, which discusses professional standards within the workplace, felt the material they were working from  – which relied… British Transport Police is holding a 'banter survey' to better inform their training on appropriate behaviour in the workplace. ...