Future Oxford Brookes students will have the chance study for a career in law enforcement following a new partnership with Thames Valley Police.
From 2014, the force will look to recruit a "significant percentage" of future coppers from graduates at the university, the University of Northampton and Bucks New University. Students will be able to study a foundation degree in policing, which meets national standards and involves both academic learning and on-the-job practical learning as a special constable.
The two year course, which will start in September 2012, has been designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills required for an operational policing role. Those students who successfully complete the course and are recruited by Thames Valley Police will join the force as an independent patrol student officers, and will be deployed to Local Police Areas (LPAs) within days of joining.
Don Oldcorn, Thames Valley Police training design manager, said: "Thames Valley Police will continue to select and recruit officers by the traditional methods, however, this course is an additional option that will give university students an opportunity, through operational activity and academic development, to make a positive contribution to policing, while gaining an academic qualification that prepares them for a career within Thames Valley Police.
"Those who successfully complete the course have the opportunity to apply to join the Force as student officers capable of undertaking independent patrol. If students are successful and are recruited as police officers by Thames Valley Police on completion of the Foundation Degree process, they will go on to complete the current national policing qualification."
Richard Huggins, associate dean for strategy and development at Oxford Brookes University, said: “The foundation degree in policing will equip special constables with the theoretical understanding and the practical expertise needed to undertake the role. This foundation degree helps achieve consistency of training for the role of special constable as it is a nationally recognised qualification. After the two-year course there is an opportunity to top up the FD to an honours degree."
Mr Huggins said the course would emphasise the importance of neighbourhood policing, and building relationships with the local community.
“Students will be supported with their studies by academic advisers and support coordinators as well as in the community where they will be allocated a tutor while working alongside regular police officers," he said. "Oxford Brookes University welcomes applications from all members of our community.”
