Conclusion—Putting It All Together

Abstract

The police professionalisation movement has resulted in the development of new pathways of training and education for new recruits. Guided by the College of Policing Police Education Qualifying Framework, the new models involve close collaboration with higher education institutes on programmes of intense study and practical skills learning. This chapter explores the historical development of policing and why it is only in recent years that the motivation to align its professional recognition with other occupations already accredited through undergraduate and postgraduate study, such as in Law or Medicine. It explores the definition of ‘professional’, the re-evaluation of policing and a ‘professional’ occupation and some of the cultural obstacles to its success. The chapter finally considers the value of higher education as part of the new police training, looking at the benefits of conceptualising crime, criminality and criminal justice practice to the decision-making of the front-line officer.