A DEESIDE college has launched a free and flexible new qualification for prospective police officers.

Coleg Cambria will deliver a Level 3 Access to Policing course starting in September this year.

To become a police officer in the UK you need to be over 18 and complete the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship or have achieved a degree in any subject.

Gemma Ible, a curriculum director for Access and Higher Education at Cambria, said the Level 3 programme is a stepping-stone towards a career in the criminal justice arena for anyone aged 19 and above who is out of education or looking for a fresh start.

“We have already received interest and positive feedback from potential candidates as this will be a solid foundation on which to move forward into a role with a police force, either in Wales or over the border in England,” said Gemma.

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“We will develop their academic skills and background knowledge so by the end of the year they can move on to a degree in policing or a related subject at university.

“This diploma is new to Wales, and we are the first college in this region to deliver it from September so it’s a fabulous opportunity for anyone looking to get into the sector.”

The course is fully funded and will be run over four days a week.

Accredited by Agored Cymru, mandatory modules include core skills studies, criminology and police powers, numeracy, academic skills, and introduction to modern policing.

“Where we will bridge a gap is in supporting those people who have the ability and empathy to become great police officers but do not have the academic background,” added Gemma.