Officers looking to research cybercrime and other specialist areas are being offered financial help.

The College of policing has launched its annual bursary in a bid to support degree studies.

Officers and police staff from across England and Wales can now apply for grants worth up to £4,000 to study as part of a scheme opened today.

The College of Policing’s Bursary Scheme pays towards tuition fees for officers and staff who want to study in higher education, regardless of rank, grade or previous qualifications. The scheme has been running since 2016 and has supported almost 360 officers and staff from 45 police forces.

The fees are paid for tuition for up to two years of study on a course which includes a research component with a law enforcement element. This research can then be used to shape the future standards and guidance of police nationally.

Funding will be for the academic years 2022/23 and 2023/24.

Past awards went to those studying across a range of higher education institutions in the UK, at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, in areas including policing, criminology, cybercrime, leadership and vulnerability.

Last year the scheme saw 79 people receive funding and almost 60 per cent of them were constables and sergeants.

Chief Constable Andy Marsh, College of Policing CEO, said: “We know that many would like to increase their knowledge through additional study but are concerned about the time and costs involved. The bursary’s financial assistance and university’s flexible approach to learning can help overcome these challenges.

“The College is committed to supporting officers and staff at all ranks in their professional development and we welcome applications regardless of role, rank, grade or existing qualifications.

He added: “The bursary supports officers and staff to gain a qualification which will help in their future progression, but it also allows them the opportunity to shape the standards and guidance of policing through their research.”

The application deadline is Monday 4 April 2022.

For more information and to apply go HERE