Think carefully about advanced practitioner constable role

OFFICERS should think carefully before they apply to become “advanced practitioner constables” as the post could possibly see them being exploited, Northumbria Police Federation has warned.

The role is being piloted in eight forces before possibly being introduced nationwide. Officers taking part carry out more complex work – while not actually being paid any extra.

Advanced practitioner constables have been introduced at Avon and Somerset, Cheshire, Lancashire, the Met, North Wales, South Yorkshire, Thames Valley and Humberside Police, in a move which will provide “lateral career opportunities” for constables, the College of Policing said.

Officers involved will be expected to lead complex casework, assess how procedures can be developed and improved, and think and plan ahead, under the 18-month trial.

But Jim Gray, Chairman of Northumbria Police Federation said: “Officers are already undertaking excessive workloads. So it concerns me that this role could potentially see officers taking on even more work, extra burden, and extra responsibilities for no financial recompense. Too often in the service we see a great deal of demand put upon individual officers without any extra reward.

“Excessive workloads are already taking their toll on police officers’ mental health and we are seeing record levels of stress, anxiety and depression. I would warn anyone interested in this role to very carefully consider their own wellbeing first.”

Jim predicts officers may be expected to undertake these roles in order to be considered for promotion.

He said: “I may be being cynical, but I am concerned that this process could result in the exploitation of individuals who are keen to progress within the service, therefore they will end up in a very demanding role for an indeterminate period of time. So they would be expected to give more and more with potentially no ultimate benefit for them, either financially or further development.”

However, Jim said he would be very interested to see how the pilot runs before dismissing it.

He added: “Let’s wait and see what it looks like, and let’s see if those concerns that I have are borne out. I am very cautious regarding this, and suspicious, but it is only right to see what comes of the pilot. But, personally, I am pleased that the pilot isn’t running in Northumbria.”