Degree-level entry

Analysis: The unveiling by the College of Policing (CoP) of a new Police Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF) last month prompted some strong reactions and a heated debate, with the announcement that by 2020 all new recruits would be educated to degree level (either before joining the service, or during their first three years in the job) proving the most controversial issue.

OPINION: Serving police officer Ed Cudmore is completing his Master's degree at Canterbury Christ Church University. In the third of our comment pieces, he examines the response to the College of Policing's announcement about educational qualifications and gives a personal testament to the value of education in policing.

OPINION: Last week the new Police Education Qualifications Framework was unveiled, to a mixed reaction that was at times extremely hostile. Serving officer Gareth Stubbs unpicks the announcement, and punctures some of the myths and misunderstandings around the new plans.

OPINION: What will the police forces of the future look like, and how will we get there? Sussex Chief Constable Giles York, NPCC lead for Workforce, makes the case for change in the recruitment and development of police officers, in order to build a workforce more reflective of the skills and competencies needed for the modern police service.

OPINION: Is promotion through the ranks perceived as a game? In August, @wecops ran a Twitter debate hosted by Inspector Gareth Stubbs (@DedicatedPeeler) on 'The Police Promotion System'. Neil James of @bselectedpolice summarises the debate and discusses some of the key issues raised.

OPINION: With increasing numbers of serving police officers undertaking academic study - perhaps for the first time - the College of Policing has set up a new Academic Support Network through POLKA. Dr Ian Hesketh outlines why 'pracademics' might need a source of mutual support, and what the new network can offer.

OPINION: What is the proper relationship between police and academia? Could a focus on 'what works' endanger the development of reflective practice? And could the growth in programmes being offered by universities in police-related subjects risk the commodification of policing? Emma Williams of Canterbury Christ Church University examines the evolving relationship between policing and the academy.

OPINION: Critics of Police Now, the Graduate Leadership Development Programme for the police, have warned it will lead to poorly equipped constables who will be found wanting once on the streets. Serving officer Dan Reynolds went to see for himself - and found a cohort with a maturity far in excess of their four weeks in the job.

OPINION: Police Now, the Graduate Leadership Development Programme for the police, has been controversial in some quarters. Emma Williams of Canterbury Christ Church University lays out her thoughts after spending a day with the scheme, and argues that talented serving officers also need access to high quality training.