About us

The Institute of Policing (IoP) at University of Staffordshire is a beacon of excellence in the field of police professional practice and research. Our mission is clear: to make a significant and lasting contribution to policing education and training, leadership, investigation, and innovation on both national and global scales.

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Our experience & expertise

With over 3,500 UK police officers having already enrolled in our programs, we have proven ourselves as leaders in this field, with many graduates now in full-time roles within their respective police forces.

Our expertise is wide-ranging and encompasses leadership, investigation, digital innovations in learning and teaching, and large-scale delivery of police education.

We are particularly proud of our commitment to widening access to policing careers. We developed the UK's first Step Up to Policing program, which has enabled individuals from diverse backgrounds to enter the profession. Additionally, our Detective Constable Degree Holder Entry Program, which was the first to receive licensing permissions from the College of Policing, has further strengthened our position as pioneers in the field.

The IoP is not just a place of education and training; we are also a hub for research and innovation. Our dedicated research team is responsible for organising various conferences and events that showcase the important work our team and students are doing, helping to embed a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in policing.

Our achievements

The IoP is proud to have received several prestigious recognitions and awards since its inception.

Partnership of the Year

Named the winner of the 'Partnership of the Year' award at the National Police Chiefs' Council's Learning and Development Awards in 2022

Winners in the AAC Apprenticeship Awards

Winners of the Protective Services Apprenticeship Provider of the Year in 2024, and finalists in 2023

Finalists for the 'Pastoral Care Team of the Year'

Shortlisted as finalists in 2022 and 2023 for the 'Pastoral Care Team of the Year' award in the NAPCE Awards (National Association for Pastoral Care in Education

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Our partnerships

At the Institute of Policing, we recognise the importance of strong partnerships in achieving our mission to advance policing practice and education. Our partnerships span across local and global domains, and we are proud of the collaborations we have nurtured.

Local partnerships

Locally, we have established close ties with key policing bodies such as Staffordshire Police, Warwickshire Police, and West Mercia Police. These partnerships are instrumental in shaping our programs and ensuring they are aligned with the evolving needs of the policing profession in our region.

Global partnerships

On a global scale, we have forged meaningful collaborations with esteemed institutions. Our Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rutgers University’s Miller Centre on Policing and Community Resilience signifies our commitment to networking and using international expertise to enhance policing practices.

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Stay informed

By connecting with us on social media, you'll be the first to know about upcoming events, research findings, and opportunities to get involved. Join our growing community of policing professionals, students, and enthusiasts, and stay informed about the latest happenings at the Institute of Policing.
in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

Top 5 for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2025

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021