'Bobby tax' will hit recruitment

Concerns grow that gifted officer candidates will be unable to apply for jobs as a result of £1,000 fee

A document that serves as a crucial prerequisite for prospective officers to join the service has been described as a “bobby tax”.

Siobhain McDonagh, Labour MP for Mitcham and Morden in London, asked colleagues during Prime Minister’s Questions: “Do you want the police to be like us, or only for the rich?” – referring to the new Certificate in Knowledge of Policing. She said she had launched a petition against the move – which will cost officers up to £1,000. Ms McDonagh added: “As if the cost of living wasn’t bad enough already they’re bringing in a new bobby tax. The government is doing something very silly. “From now on, anyone who wants to apply to become an officer can forget it, unless they can cough up a grand to go on a new course they’ve invented called the Certificate in Knowledge of Policing. “Without paying the money, you won’t even be allowed to apply for the force, let alone have an interview or get the job.” According to the College, The Certificate in Knowledge of Policing “is a means towards achieving the Diploma in Policing. The Diploma is a requirement for all new police constables, and is the national minimum professional qualification.” It will cost prospective police officers between £750 and £1,000 to attain.

The College adds: “It is for each individual police force to decide whether applicants to become police officers will need to have the Certificate before they apply. The Metropolitan Police is the first force to require this for new candidates who are not special constables – other forces are following suit.” But Ms McDonagh said other sectors had long abandoned this type of practice. She added: “The Army stopped all that back in 1871, when they realised it was better to give the job to people based on merit rather than on how rich or posh they are. “Why should our best, most talented youngsters have to fork out £1,000 for the privilege of joining the police? “It doesn’t make any sense. Most of the young people from Mitcham and Morden won’t be able to afford that – so we’ll end up with officers from wealthy backgrounds, who don’t know the first thing about what it’s like to live in a community like ours. “Everyone agrees we need to have a police force that is more like the community it polices. We need more people from tough backgrounds, more people from ethnic minorities. In short, we need more people from places like Mitcham and Morden. “But that’s not going to happen now. A thousand pounds is too much for people from round here to afford.”

Responding at Prime Minister Questions, PM David Cameron said: “What we are trying to do through the College of Policing is even further professionalise this vital profession – I will make sure the Home Secretary contacts her about this particular issue.”

The College of Policing says the “Certificate gives you an understanding of policing and police law, and to demonstrate some of the critical decision-making skills that are required for the job”. If people cannot afford the £750-£1,000 they are advised to “enquire about any available funding from individual providers”. Helen Schofield, Head of learning strategy at the College, said: "External funding is available for the Certificate in Knowledge of Policing and is open for anyone to apply and can cover the whole cost of a course. "In addition, police forces are allowed to create their own bursary schemes to attract candidates which may be at a disadvantage. "The certificate is one of a number of entry routes into policing and gives candidates an official qualification. It also allows future police officers to take responsibility for their learning."

Article courtesy of Royston Martis - www.policeoracle.com