The Police Federation of England and Wales has criticised government plans to introduce a mandatory 'licence to practise' for police officers, arguing that unsafe workloads and inadequate pay must be addressed first. The federation's response comes ahead of a Home Office white paper due on Monday, which outlines sweeping reforms to improve standards in policing.
Under the proposals, all officers in England and Wales will be required to hold and renew a licence throughout their careers, ensuring they stay up to date with problem-solving and technological skills. The Home Office said the licence would create a standardised framework for training and development across all 43 forces, with clear standards in areas such as violence against women and girls, neighbourhood policing, and leadership.
Crime and policing minister Sarah Jones stated: 'Every police officer needs to remain match-fit to protect their communities. As crime evolves, we expect police to evolve more quickly.' Officers who repeatedly fail to demonstrate necessary skills could be sacked.
However, the Police Federation said: 'Everyone wants professional policing, but that requires pay, training, time and support. Officers are routinely pulled off mandatory training to plug gaps, work rest days to stay afloat, and carry workloads no one would call safe.' Former Bedfordshire police and crime commissioner Festus Akinbusoye called the plan unnecessary, citing crises in recruitment, retention, and cultural problems.
The white paper also includes national targets for crime fighting and victim satisfaction, with poorly performing forces named and shamed. Some police chiefs warned of perverse incentives, with one saying: 'You can hit the target and miss the point.' The government has also announced a £7m graduate recruitment drive for neighbourhood police officer roles.
