Every police officer will be required to hold and regularly renew a GP-style 'licence to practise' or be removed from the profession, the Mail can reveal. The licence to practise will introduce a single national framework for officer training, supervision and development across England and Wales. Any officer who fails could receive further support including mentoring, but successive failures would result in them losing their licence. Crime and policing minister Sarah Jones said: 'Every police officer needs to remain match fit to protect their communities. 'The Licence to Practise will equip every officer with the skills and capabilities to do the job – whether new to the force or a policing veteran.

Source: Daily Mail January 24, 2026 13:18 UTC