Circular 001/2014: qualifications, experience, secondments and returning officers
This circular publicises amendments to Police Regulations 2003 and Secretary of State’s determinations to implement the Police Advisory Board for England and Wales agreement to recommendations 3, 16, 17 and 18 from the independent review of police officer and staff remuneration and conditions: final report.
Regulation 10 of the 2003 regulations is amended to allow the Secretary of State to specify a list of qualifications required for appointment to a police force. A new Annex BA to the determinations sets out the list. These are, either a level 3 qualification, a police qualification, or experience as a PCSO, special constable or in a police staff role identified by the chief officer of police as relevant. It is for the chief officer to select the applicable qualification for their force.
Regulation 13 is amended to enable the Secretary of State to determine the circumstances in which police officers can be seconded to organisations outside policing. A new Annex CA specifies that secondments require the approval of the chief officer and may be for a period not exceeding 5 years.
The 2003 regulations are further amended by the addition of a new regulation 10B, which provides for officers returning within 5 years of leaving the police to return at the rank they last held, subject to a probationary period of 6 months. In exceptional circumstances the 5-year time limit may be extended by the chief officer.