Interview: Michael Fuller, Britain's first and only black Chief Constable

Home Office data recently revealed that the number of black officers had increased just 0.2 per cent over the past decade, with other previously underrepresented groups – such as women – steadily increasing at a faster rate. Michael Fuller, 61, was the Chief Constable of Kent Police from to 2004… Michael Fuller tells Police Oracle about his experience moving up the ranks in the face of discrimination on both sides of policing. ...

Paying specials among civil contingency response options

Paying Specials or their employers to provide more shift cover and bringing back retired officers to provide back-up are among the options being considered if officer strength is affected by the spread of COVID-19. The lead for Civil Contingencies at the National Police Chiefs' Council, Deputy Chief Constable Paul Netherton,… Home Affairs Committee told that lack of officer testing could also be affecting front line numbers ...

Retired officers face call-up as part of contingency plans

As the massive contingency plan was pulled together to enable forces and the public to cope, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner said former officers could be brought back to boost the ranks. Dame Cressida Dick said she had not ruled out any option as part of contingency plans including the use… Retired police officers could be brought back on duty as part of COVID-19 contingency plans....

'Gutted' officers react after Sergeant exams cancelled by CoP

The College of Policing made the announcement on social media and on its website last night following the change in government advice. The exams had been due to take place today in London leaving some candidates stranded and out of pocket for hotel and travel costs. Mike Cunningham, Chief Executive… Police due to take their sergeant exams have shared their disappointment after they were cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak....

Justice Minister announces changes to the AccessNI filtering scheme

Multiple offences going back more than 11 years will not be disclosed under AccessNI standard or enhanced checks from March 16. Under the revised scheme AccessNI will now only disclose conviction information on an individual applying for an AccessNI standard or enhanced check where the offending is less than 11… Supreme Court ruling brings in changes to criminal records standard and enhanced disclosure ...

Six independent members appointed to Northern Ireland Policing Board

Justice Minister Naomi Long has appointed six new independent members of the Northern Ireland Policing Board who will start their role on 1 April. The Minister said: "Since the Board’s inception in 2001, support for policing from all sections of the community has increased and it is important to build… Members have to declare past political activity and are paid £15k per annum for four-days-a-month role...

Sergeant exams will go ahead as planned CoP says

The College of Policing has confirmed the Sergeant exams that are scheduled for Tuesday will go ahead following inquiries by officers on social media. Meetings and a charity event have been cancelled by West Yorkshire Police as a precaution. Brian Booth of West Yorkshire Police told Police Oracle that action… Police exams are going ahead but charity events and meetings are being cancelled in response to the coronavirus....

University consortium win three-force apprenticeship contract

Four universities have joined together as the Police Education Consortium to deliver degree apprenticeship training to three forces. The consortium have won a contract to provide the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) programme to Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire Constabulary. The universities will alternate as the providers for each new cohort… Surry, Sussex and Hampshire Constabulary trainees will be taught at police training centres not on campus ...

Interview: Deputy Mayor says Met needs officers and analysts

Deputy Mayor Sophie Linden has championed Sadiq Khan's investment in the Violent Crime Taskforce, wants to keep a station open in every borough and believes the Met can cut crime by the end of the force's recruitment uplift in three years’ time.  On the uplift numbers, Ms Linden said MOPAC… Ahead of the May 2020 London Mayor Election, Police Oracle spoke to Deputy Mayor Sophie Linden about and MOPAC’s policing priorities and commitments into a potential second term under Sadiq Khan....

College of Policing opens degree bursary scheme for officers

The fifth bursary scheme has been opened by the College of Policing to help police officers and staff across England and Wales with higher education fees to study at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It is part of the wider campaign to upskill the police service to be able to respond… The College of Policing has launched a campaign to support officers studying for degrees....