Police Direct Entry and the Search for Talent — A Historical Perspective

Abstract

The ‘Direct Entry’ schemes proposed by Tom Winsor have generated widespread and passionate debate, with most contributors being totally opposed to the concept. This article analyses the Direct Entry (Inspector and Superintendent) Schemes but additionally highlights the little-known but significant experience of the Royal Ulster Constabulary's Cadet Officer programme. That programme was designed to attract well educated young men, with clear command potential, to a career in policing. However, its eventual demise was the result of a failure to adapt it to the changing needs of society. The article supports the case for the Direct Entry (Inspector) Scheme but rejects the need for the Direct Entry (Superintendent) Scheme. It also argues for the police service to adopt a clear theoretical model, based on the British Army's concept of ‘officership’, to address current problems and to underpin any new recruitment schemes.