ABSTRACT
The professionalisation of policing has been the goal of various countries and significant progress has been made. In the United Kingdom policing is poised once again at the proverbial threshold, attracted by the positive attributes associated with professionalism — ethical codes, professional authority, community sanction, uniform standards, expertise and a systematic body of knowledge, yet it is unsure how to proceed. The new College of Policing, ‘a new professional body for the police service’ has been established to advance many ideals commensurate with the move to professionalisation, emphasising improved training, education and standards. The College has been formally designated as one of five ‘what works’ centres of excellence which commits the public sector in England and Wales to creating a systematic knowledge base and developing a platform for an ‘evidence-based profession’. A professional development framework will provide the context to raise standards in training, leadership development, skills and qualifications. It is envisaged that eventually the new College will be replaced with a statutory professional body, a body that will potentially ‘raise the professional status of police officers and police staff, allowing them to gain greater recognition and reward for accredited levels of expertise’ (Home Office 2012). Such aspirations are impressive. Yet the task of pursuing professionalism in policing is a long and somewhat arduous process. White (2012) has noted the convergence of police professionalisation initiatives in Australia/New Zealand and the UK. As the new College of Policing gears itself to addressing ideals of police professionalism emphasising education, training and standards, and evidence-based knowledge, it might be of some value to consider the move towards police professionalism in Australia and the lessons learnt.
