POLL: Should you have to have a degree to become a police officer?

The College of Policing is consulting on the plans, which could be rolled out by 2019.

The new system would mean all new recruits have to complete a degree in policing or a conversion course after graduating in another subject.

There is currently no blanket regime covering educational requirements for would-be officers, with forces operating different policies.

Alex Marshall, chief executive of the College of Policing, said the change was needed because of the "enormous change" in the nature of police work.

"In addition to all of the qualities you need from people in policing - they need to be caring, good communicators, able to de-escalate difficult situations - we also want people to think critically and do complex problem solving," he told the BBC.

However, the body which represents rank-and-file officers described the plan as "barmy".

Steve White, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: "It is essential that we do not create a police service where the only chance of becoming a police officer is if you can afford to educate yourself to degree level before joining.

"It is also an insult to the vast number of officers without a degree who perform exceptionally complex and sensitive roles to suggest that someone else would be better purely by virtue of their having spent three years at university.

"Having a degree is no indication that someone is going to make a good police officer."

The College said that there is no suggestion that current officers or staff will be required to get a degree unless they wish to.

Mr Marshall added that the proposal is "in the very early stages".

He said: "Any entry level degree is likely to be a practical qualification, as seen in other professions, where students split their time between the classroom and a police force.

"We want to move the service into a position where it is prepared to meet the needs and challenges of the future and our aim is to give members access to the knowledge and skills they need to succeed."

In contrast to the UK system, France and Spain require a full degree as the minimum entry at constable rank.