North Wales Police extends PEQF partnership with Bangor University

North Wales Police has extended its ongoing partnership with Bangor University in its delivery of the Police Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF).

Following a competitive commissioning process, in which educational establishments were invited to tender for the three-year contract, Bangor University's impressive bid was successful.

The announcement marks a continuance in the collaboration between the force and the University, which has been in place since 2020.

Developed by the College of Policing, the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) and Police Degree Holder Programme (DHEP) entry routes have allowed officers to combine academic and work-placed learning.

New recruits enrolled on these entry pathways are assessed throughout their programmes of study, with successful candidates earning a Degree in Professional Policing Practice or a Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice.

The force's first graduating cohorts attended ceremonies at Bangor University last month.

Julie Brierley, Head of Learning and Development for North Wales Police said: "North Wales Police is delighted that its collaborative partnership with Bangor University will continue.

"Throughout the last three years, the University has proven its commitment to excellent teaching and upheld its track record in relation to teaching and research in policing.

"As a force, our first cohort of officers from both the DHEP and PCDA entry routes have now graduated, many of whom have excelled in their assessed work.

"One of the key drivers for PEQF is for professional education and operational policing to sit side by side and I am delighted that we will continue to work with Bangor University in this endeavour.

"We feel confident that this partnership will continue to provide the excellent support and resources required for our new recruits to succeed."

Martina Feilzer, Dean of College of Arts, Humanities and Business, and Professor in Criminology and Criminal Justice said: "Bangor University is delighted to have been successful in the tender process which allows us to continue our collaboration with North Wales Police and provide degree-level education to the next generations of police officers.

"We have just seen our first Police Officer graduations and are pleased to play a continuing role in delivering teaching and research for officer training and education in North Wales.

"Our collaboration spans various subject areas, and we are eager to offer academic expertise throughout the entire university, covering relevant policing aspects such as psychology, forensics, law, criminology, crime, justice, and policing insights.

"We firmly believe in evidence-based policing, ensuring officers recognise the value of academic research in their daily work."