LJMU chosen to deliver new policing degrees

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is to offer a new generation of police officer training in partnership with Merseyside Police.

As of 2020, policing becomes a graduate profession, so recruits will earn a degree or graduate diploma on the job.

People wanting to join the force will apply via the Policing Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF), developed by the College of Policing, and delivered on Merseyside in tandem with the LJMU Centre for Advanced Policing Studies.

Merseyside Police and LJMU will also deliver an extensive programme of support for applicants with the goal of encouraging a wide range of people into the force to better represent our communities.  

Degrees and Diplomas

If an applicant doesn’t have a degree they can follow an apprenticeship scheme alongside officer training. This three year scheme sees applicants achieve a degree and a full time job.

Alternatively, if the applicant already has a degree, they can follow a work-based programme for two years and receive a graduate diploma in professional policing practice, again along with a full time job.

Chief Constable Andy Cooke (Pictured with Professor Ian Campbell) said:  “Our ambition is to grow an inclusive and representative police service that understands and engages with the public effectively whilst increasing the trust and confidence of our communities.

“Partnering with LMJU will bring many benefits to the Force, fundamentally developing the profession of the police service and future applicants.”

PEQF is part of ‘Policing Vision 2025’, to ensure that policing is fit for the 21st century, which includes dealing with increasing levels of cybercrime, human trafficking and child sexual exploitation.

Liverpool Centre for Advanced Policing Studies

To achieve such high standards, Merseyside Police is drawing on the expertise of the Liverpool Centre for Advanced Policing Studies, established by LJMU in 2015, which is currently working on behalf of the National Police Chiefs’ Council to evaluate fast track detective recruitment schemes.

Professor Ian Campbell, LJMU Vice-Chancellor said: “Working with the people of our great city to improve lives and support communities is at the heart of why we exist.

“We are proud of our long-standing relationship with Merseyside Police and delighted to be working with them as their preferred provider on PEQF.

“We are committed to work hand-in-hand to help deliver safer communities for the people of Merseyside and to help provide opportunities for future police officers from all backgrounds and communities.”

The delivery of PEQF on Merseyside would form part of LJMU’s wide-ranging and long-standing partnership with Merseyside Police service, which includes providing CPD for serving officers, coaching and mentoring.

Starting salaries

Added the Chief Constable: “Applicants should be reassured that regardless of your entry, they will be entitled to the same benefits and same starting salary (£24,177).

“Our aim is to offer a comprehensive professional education to all new recruits and give them both practical and academic skills required for the complexities of modern policing.

“We are dedicated to providing an inclusive police service that really reflects those we serve and protect.”

About the Liverpool Centre for Advanced Policing Studies

This centre has prospered since its inception and is now one of the largest policing centres in the UK.  LCAPS contains a wealth of professional, practical and academic experience, situated in the heart of the city. LCAPS uses this experience to conduct research, for example, staff just completed an evaluation of fast track detective recruitment schemes on behalf of the National Police Chiefs’ Council ongoing review of detective recruitment and retention.

The centre also has a number of experienced and high profile former senior police officers from Merseyside Police, Cheshire Constabulary and Lancashire Constabulary who assist with training clients such as the International Cricket Council and the Royal Military Police.