New training to transform neighbourhood policing rolled out

Trials of the new training for neighbourhood policing with more than 1,000 officers across 11 police forces have already shown “impressive results”, the college said. Officers report improved knowledge and skills along with a renewed enthusiasm for neighbourhood policing.

Starting this month, every neighbourhood officer and PCSO will begin accessing the first part of the neighbourhood policing programme online. This will be followed by intensive classroom-based learning, which will be available later in 2025.

Training for those who lead neighbourhood teams is also in development. This will provide a clear pathway for career development, meaning officers stay in neighbourhood roles longer.

This helps officers to build deeper connections with residents, developing expertise specific to an area’s needs, the college says.

“Widespread evidence tells us that when delivered effectively, community-based approaches can improve satisfaction, trust and confidence in the police,” the college said.

“Yet, in recent years, the focus on neighbourhood policing has dwindled. The number of dedicated neighbourhood officers has decreased in recent years, and in many police forces those designated neighbourhood officers often find themselves being abstracted to other areas, such as emergency responses, reducing the time they have available to spend time in their role within their local community.

“At the same time, trust and public confidence in the police service have dropped to some of their lowest levels.

“Officers serving in these crucial roles have lacked consistent, specialist training tailored to the challenges they face. That’s why the college is at the forefront of work to reinvigorate this vital area of policing.”

The college says the Neighbourhood Policing Programme (NPP) will further professionalise this vital area of policing, giving officers the skills and knowledge to:

• Build meaningful relationships within communities, supporting forces in developing named, recognisable officers for local areas;
• Conduct strategic, intelligence-led patrols that target problem areas based on community needs and priorities;
• Provide specialist capabilities to address anti-social behaviour and the issues that matter most to communities; and
• Work effectively alongside residents and businesses to develop tailored solutions to local problems.

In September, the Government announced funding for a nationwide rollout for neighbourhood policing training. The training is central to its Safer Streets mission and forms part of its Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee alongside a new performance framework.

“By establishing clear professional pathways and standards, we’re not only enhancing the capabilities of our officers but also reinforcing neighbourhood policing as a specialist discipline worthy of recognition and investment,” the college said.

The launch of the training coincides with the Neighbourhood Policing Week of Action, which began on Monday (June 23), a week that celebrates community policing and the achievements of neighbourhood officers across the UK.

“Through the neighbourhood policing programme, the college is delivering on its promise to build a police service where every interaction matters and where officers have the skills, knowledge and confidence to make evidence-based decisions,” the college said.

“Ultimately, this work will strengthen the bonds between police and communities, helping create safer streets and rebuilding public trust in policing.”

Chief Constable Sir Andy Marsh, chief executive officer of the College of Policing, said: “Whether it’s local stores being shoplifted, quadbikes tearing up the high street, persistent drug dealing, or even serious organised crime, we know the public want to see police dealing with these issues swiftly and robustly – and that’s exactly what this training will help them to do.

“Effective, visible neighbourhood policing is something the public value very highly, and rightly so. In many ways it’s the lifeblood of the police service and is key in maintaining our social fabric. And it’s also something many people feel we have lost in recent years.

“The NPP will support forces across the country to provide a consistent, high standard for their communities while still maintaining the strong local element that we know is so important.

“Officers will be able to put the training into practice straight away. Whether it’s knowing which powers to use to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour blighting a local community, or combatting organised crime through gathering valuable intelligence, this training ensures that all neighbourhood officers – not just those with many years of experience – have the skills and knowledge to help their communities.

“We’re pleased to see the impact that the training has already had in the pilot forces, and we’re looking forward to delivering the training to all forces, starting right now.”

Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson, who visited the college headquarters in Ryton-on-Dunsmore on Thursday (June 26), said:  “This Government’s Plan for Change puts neighbourhood policing at the heart of the action to tackle crime. It is vital that no matter where you live, your local neighbourhood officers are trained with the specialist skills to tackle the issues plaguing your communities.

“This new programme from the College of Policing will deliver high standards across the country, end the postcode lottery in policing and restore neighbourhood officers.

“With our Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, we will ensure officers have the tools they need to crack down on antisocial behaviour and make our streets safer.”